Through this season of Easter we have been looking at the blessings that God gives to us only through Christ’s death and resurrection. We finish this series by focusing on the gift that encompasses them all: Peace through the Blood. Through Christ, God has done more than simply declare a cease-fire or provide a way for us to get along with him. Through Christ, God has completely reconciled us to himself and has completely restored the relationship that sin had severed. What a glorious gift we have received through Nothing but the Blood of Jesus!
Like the stains we become accustomed to in our homes, sometimes we let our sin become the backdrop of our lives. We convince ourselves we’re comfortable with that, but sin will always keep dragging us down. The Apostle John describes a deep clean for the soul that only happens through the blood of Christ when we open up and confess. This week we’ll explore the steps of true confession and delight in God’s promise that “the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
At first glance we sometimes get the impression that the God of the Old Testament is an angry God, and then Jesus shows up in the New Testament to provide a much kinder and gentler face of God. A closer reading shows an unchanging God whose wrath remains real against whatever seeks to destroy his kingdom and his people, and who also generously showers love and grace on his flawed people through Jesus. Propitiation by the blood of Jesus makes that possible for us. If propitiation is a new word for you, be sure to join us this week!