INTRIGUED BY TWO VERSES

  1. "...without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." - Hebrews 9:22
  2. "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." - 1 Corinthians 15:14
With these two verses I am reminded of the song "Jesus Paid It All".


Jesus Christ was not just rejected, associated with sorrows and familiar with suffering.  Jesus did not only take being despised and not esteemed - "He took up" - He voluntarily, in line with Father God's heart, decided to take upon Himself "our infirmities and carried our sorrows".  For all our wrongs and for all humanity - past, present, and future - He was "pierced".  Because we would never be able to measure up to The Standard - He was "crushed" for us.  The "punishment" He endured has the power to bring us "peace" now and forever!  Plus, the beating and scars He suffered can be claimed for healing by His believers. [My paraphrase of Isaiah 53:3-5]   

Then, even after all the beating Jesus took before The Cross and His loss of blood before Calvary - Jesus still had blood He shed for us.  "...one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water." - John 19:34  For Scripture says, as I have quoted above, in Hebrews 9:22"...without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

Our fallen relationship with God was redeemed by Christ's death.  However, if Jesus did not overcome Hell, and if Jesus did not come back to life, and if Jesus did not in full health walk out of the grave - my faith and the faith of all of Christiandom would be useless!  Allow me to quote 1 Corinthians 15:14 once more - "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith."  But on the third day - He Arose! The grave is empty!  No other has loved me like Jesus Christ.  There is hope!  His name is Jesus and that Hope is for "who-so-ever believes" in Jesus Christ and His eternal, sacrificial love gift. (John 3:16)

I conclude with one last song....



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