The bloodstream is a flowing river to all the human body cells for nourishment and removal of residues. The life of every living creature is in the blood. When we are born the first thing the hospital does it take our blood to identify our type and check our well-being. Through our blood we are related to our ancestors and receive certain traits. A blood test must be taken to receive a marriage license. Blood represents a sign of fertility in women or it can be a sign or sickness. The absence of blood can result in death. Blood can save lives through transfusions. Blood residue can help forensic investigators link suspects to crime scenes. Blood can be taken to identify people. In the Old Testament it was used to atone for sins.
The sole function of blood in the human body is to keep it healthy and alive, just as the blood of Jesus Christ brings life to all. For the life of the flesh is in the blood; It is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. (Lev. 17:11) Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Heb. 9:22) In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:14) And the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin (I John 1: 7)
Another function of blood in the human body is to cleanse our systems just as the blood of Christ cleanses our spirits and souls. The Holy Spirit points out sin to us allowing us to repent and confess our sin so that we can be cleansed of it. Jesus offered up His blood so that you and I could become clean, holy vessels. The blood of Jesus spilled on the earth for our salvation. (I John 5: 7,8) Just as life leaves when the blood flows out of our natural body, so are those who do not know the Lord Jesus. They are dead and have no life in them. (John 6: 53-59)
Under the old testament the shedding of animal blood was required to atone for their sins. Today, Jesus’ death and shed blood paid the price for sin once and for all. (Heb. 10:6-9)
Blood gives health and strength should the human body become sick. The blood alters to adjust and begin healing. The blood cells act as defenders and travel to the infection to attack the invaders. The blood of Jesus does the same for the body of Christ. When Satan invades our lives, the Holy Spirit stands ready to come to our aid. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 12:11)
The Israelites were saved from the Angel of Death by putting blood around their door posts. God was with them and their households were protected. (Exo. 12:23) Rahab is another example of the Lord saving an entire family. By faith, Rahab put out a scarlet cord which symbolized the blood of Christ. (Josh 2:18) Blood feeds nutrients to all parts of the human body. Likewise, God feeds us through the blood of Jesus Christ who is the Word. (John 1:14) For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood. (I John 5: 7,8)
Our faith in what the blood of Jesus does for us will bring us the victory. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Rom 8:11)
“Dying to Self”
When you are purposely set aside, rejected, forgotten and hurt with the insult of oversight – but your spirit sings because you are being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, that is “Dying to Self.” When your advice is disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and all manner of evil is spoken against you, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all with patient, loving silence, that is “dying to self.” When you do not allow any disorder, irregularity, or arrogance to come against your peace, when you are face to face with filth, waste, stupidity or spiritual pride, and endure it as Jesus endured it, that is “dying to self.” When you are content with the location you live, the climate, the society, the solitude of the “backside of the desert,” and are willing to have your plans changed or interrupted by the will of God at any moment, that is “dying to self.” When you never care to have others know of your good works, and never refer to yourself in conversation, or even care to have anyone commend you, when you truly love to be unknown, that is “dying to self.” When you see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in the Spirit, and feel no envy, nor question God as to why your own needs are not being met, that is “dying to self.” When you can receive correction and reproof, finding no rebellion or resentment rising in your heart, that is “dying to self.”
Father God, we know that our sinful nature is not conquered in a day and that we shall continue to sin. We are grateful that one who is in Christ has the blessing of being forgiven every day and is continually cleansed in the blood of Jesus by your grace, Father, which provided the only sacrifice that could take away our sins. Thank you for this precious privilege of being in Christ who gives us access to to the Holy of Holies through His blood which redeems us from sin and fear of death.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. (Rom 3:23-25)
Carla Henson
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