Christian View of 2022 - #32

Once again, the theology of Atonement has been cushioned in terms that seem rather repulsive, repugnant and in need of redefinition… “Washed in the blood” ?

The imagery conjured by such Christian conversation is a non-starter, nonsense and non- comprehensible to the western mind-set.

Yet “washed in the blood” is a settled Biblical statement.

Revelation 1:5 KJV

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”

How many hymns create questions around the same sentiment …

Are you washed in the blood?

Washed in the blood ( Sinner come today)

“O the blood of Jesus”

“Thank God for the blood” … to name just four.

CCLI gives 1627 search responses to the phrase “washed in the blood.”

In God’s economy there is only one thing that has soul-cleansing power. It is the blood of His Son.

In Heaven’s environment there is one one sin-cleansing agency. It is the blood of His Son.

In God’s eternity there is only one thing that has purchasing, redeeming power. It is the blood of His Son.

In the shedding of His blood we have:

Conscience cleansing

Hebrews 9:14 NLT

“Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.”

Continuous cleansing

1 John 1:7 NLT

But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.”

Complete cleansing

Romans 5:9 NLT

“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.”

To be Washed is the longing of the sin-stained soul. To be washed is the need of the life polluted by selfish choices. To be washed is the cry of the sinner whose garments have been spotted by the lusts of a fallen nature and by our wallowing in the mud of the world which is in rebellion against the Creator and His Son.

Would you be clean in the eyes of the Lord?

Would you stand before Him - without spot?

Would you wear garments without a trace of stain?

When you place your faith,undivided and unreserved, in His death for you on the cross, God reckons His righteousness as being yours.

In effect, you become blood-washed , sin-scrubbed - clean, Christ-clean!

How about you? Are you clean before God?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Randy B. Leavitt

Pastor