Nothing But The Blood

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The rules were clear for the fledgling nation of Israel. God’s people were not to eat the blood of any animal. To do so brought swift and sure punishment (Leviticus 17:10). The blood was sacred because of what it symbolized. “For the life of the creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life” (Leviticus 17:11).

These Old Testament sacrifices foretold of One who would make the ultimate sacrifice; whose blood would atone for our sins once and for all time.

As we come to another Good Friday and Easter we remember that without the shedding of that blood, there would be no forgiveness. We remember “…the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

As I thought about these verses from Leviticus this morning, an old hymn came to mind.

What can wash away my sins?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh, precious is that flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount' I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For my pardon this I see—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing, this my plea—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Nothing can for sin atone
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

This is all my hope and peace—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Robert Lowry

The resurrection of Christ is extremely important, but there have been other resurrections from the dead. Lazarus returned from the dead, the son of the widow of Nain was resurrected. If you believe the stories that many tell today, others have been dead and come back to life again after having died. These resurrections saved no one, made no guarantee that death would not happen again, and made no promise of eternal life and peace with God. The blood is the key. There has been only one perfect sacrifice, one perfect Lamb of God, who shed His blood in payment for my sin.

Only Jesus. Only His blood. What a wonderful Saviour.

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