“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins…” – Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)
Myer Pearlman, author of the book, “Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible,” wrote, “The atonement was no afterthought on the part of God. The fall of man did not take Him by surprise, necessitating quick steps to remedy it. Before the creation of the world, He who knows the end from the beginning had made provision for man’s redemption just as how a machine is conceived in an inventor’s mind before it is built, so the atonement was in the mind and purpose of God before its actual accomplishment.” The author further stated, “This truth is borne out by Scriptures, for Jesus is described as the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
Beloved, some of us know that we have, in times past, committed some dastardly acts that do not deserve forgiveness, according to man’s standards, but Jesus redeemed us by the shedding of His blood on Calvary’s cross. Yes, we are Christ’s workmanship, ordained to walk in good works (Ephesians 2:10), while Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) reminds us, “For by grace are ye saved through faith…not of works, lest any man should boast.” The blood of animals could never atone for the sins of mankind; however, Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for our sins, as a bearing of sin (2nd Corinthian 5:21).
Beloved, we owed a debt we could not pay. Jesus paid a debt He did not owe and blotted out our past that we could not undo. He is our Burnt Offering, for His death is set forth as an act of perfect self-giving.
Let us reflect on when God brought us out of the gutter of sin and freed us from the spirit of condemnation, lust, various addictions, demonic possession, abuse, rejection, and low self-esteem. He delivered us by the power of His blood. Today, give God praise and bless His name for what He has done for you, and remember that “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning…” (Lamentations 3:22-23 – ESV).
Read: Isaiah 43:25; 1 John 1:9
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 23; Mark 4:30-41; Mark 5:1-20; Exodus 25; Exodus 26
