Nothing But The Blood

Good News – November 2011 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Nothing But The Blood

Mention blood in a news story, or show a picture of blood on TV, and you are sure to get people’s attention. There was a time in journalism when reporters heard the saying: “If it bleeds, it leads.” That simply meant that the stories about crime, or those containing death and violence would be played up on the front page and above the fold of the newspaper.

Today that old saying is a joke in newsrooms, though it is at times still used by critics of the press. Even so, when viewed from a spiritual standpoint, it provides a message that merits everyone’s attention. It’s a message that should be “played up,” and reported at every opportunity.

It is the message of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who shed His blood for our sins. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”

The story of Christ’s death on the cross received top billing. In another place in the New Testament Paul states, “I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2).

Here’s the scoop: Christ’s death was necessary because of the problem we have with sin (breaking God’s commandments), and the judgment we face because of it. “The Scripture has confined all under sin” (Gal. 3:22), and “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23).

Christ’s blood is the only thing that can remove our sin. According to 1 Peter 1:19, people are saved from their sins by “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” Christ shed His blood because of His love for us. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

When we trust in Him alone to save us and forgive us, He gives us His free gift of eternal life. The Bible says that “through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43).

God’s promise is both clear and certain. Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life” (Jn. 6:47).

Have you experienced the cleansing power of Christ’s blood? If not, you can receive this important blessing today! Simply take Him at His Word. Believe His promise to save you, and you will receive His forgiveness, and His wonderful gift of eternal life. We can tell you more.

Roscoe Barnes III

This article is available from the publisher in tract form.