[231 words]
And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (Rev. 1:5, NKJV).
Blood is typically something we wash off, not something we wash with. As an organic substance, we want to limit our contact with blood, so that any risk of infection is minimized. When we prepare meat, the amount of time we spend cooking is determined by how long it takes to cook away the blood. In the medical world, professionals are particularly careful to wear protective gloves any time they may come in contact with blood. In our culture, blood is almost always something to be avoided.
Yet, the Scriptures frequently extol the cleansing quality of Christ’s blood. The He.brew writer says that it “Cleanse(s) your con.science from dead works” (Hebrews 9:14), showing that His blood is what can purge our guilt and provide our minds with peace. Believers do not cower away from the image of our Savior’s blood. We embrace it. Indeed, the Apostle Peter even refers to it as, “the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:19, NKJV).
Aren’t the paradoxes of our faith marvelous? Just as we die to live (new birth) and serve to be exalted, we wash in the blood of Jesus so that we can truly be whiter than snow!
Kerry Williams
Valley View church of Christ
Jonesboro, AR