Thursday, August 21, 2014

Only accepted payment...




For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  2 Corinthians 5:21

Ever hear the song, Nothing but the Blood? In the song the writer sings about the only thing that can cleanse from sin and wrongdoing. Nothing but the blood of Christ cleanses and removes sin and shame. Here is my question then. If we sing songs about the blood, hear sermons about the blood, why then do we still continue to believe our goodness or faithfulness is what sanctifies us or makes us more righteous?

Brother, Are you suggesting that we need not be faithful in our relationship with our Father God? Of, course not. In actuality relying on His goodness and faithfulness and not our own produces a more fruitful life and relationship with The Lord. I allow Him to complete the work He began in me. 

What then, sanctifies us and cleanses us? It is nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. Romans 5:9
What makes us right with God? It is only the blood of Jesus. Regardless the amount of good deeds performed, it's only the blood of Christ that makes us righteous before Him. If it's only His blood that cleanses and sanctifies no amount of bad deeds removes this right standing either. Again, I am not suggesting we live a life of sin and excess. Sin destroys. It corrupts and leaves destruction in its wake. This blood, which is the only payment which can be received to make us right, creates a new nature within us. We identify with this new nature not the old man. That's why we can walk in victory over sin and addictions.

 Visualize this: His blood freely flowing down the cross,setting us free! We are forgiven for our sinful ways by the richness of His grace, Ephesians 1:7 Voice
What is the only payment received for our forever forgiveness in Him? It's the blood. No more trying to earn our forgiveness. The blood is the only acceptable payment for forgiveness. Our works and efforts and achievements are not acceptable payment if you will. 

With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.             Hebrews 9:12 
This passage couldn't make it any clearer. The only payment for our righteousness in Him, our sanctification, our eternal salvation is only His precious blood. His blood alone is what saved and set us apart forever in Him. 

It is settled. The only acceptable payment for our sins is the blood of Christ. Rest in this truth. When we blow it or miss don't try to earn forgiveness or "work" your way back to Him. Our efforts aren't acceptable payments in the New Covenant. Confess your righteousness in Him by His perfect and precious blood. When we continually speak this we will begin to identify with our righteous new nature and walk out who we really are. Sin and addictions will no longer have dominion over us. 

I trust this has encouraged you today. I pray the Lord bless and keep you in His strength. Please consider sharing if this has blessed you. Someone may need to hear this freeing message. 

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