 |
|
|
April 21 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:13,14. We do not always appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus toward all who would believe. The Old Testament saints could be blessed with the sanctification, or setting apart, that was offered by God toward those who would offer blood sacrifices. It was in response to what God had shown them through the Law. Yet we are free from that burden because of the sacrifice of the perfect Lamb, Jesus. All works of man are not sufficient to achieve this cleansing freely given by God. Not only are our works of the flesh dead but our old nature in Adam was also put to death at the cross. Jesus can say, “It is finished.” We are a chosen people designed to affirm that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, and He is the Son of God. Any spirit that denies this is said to be of the spirit of the antichrist (1 John 4:2,3). We are to claim and experience the cleansing of our conscience that Christ has produced. The relationship allows us to approach God as a true father, as a friend, and as a loving caregiver. There is no need for us to attempt to go beyond this relationship by trying to improve upon it with our so-called good works. Be very careful here. He will guide us into His works, and if He is not involved then our works are useless. Dear Father, we are amazed at the extent of Your grace. We are so undeserving, so helpless in achieving Your goals, yet You have chosen to set us aside for special favor and blessings. We have Your very life living within us, and we desire to walk this day in total demonstration of that gift. Amen. |
