BLOOD ATONEMENT 1 LIFE, ALL ANIMAL LIFE IS SUPPORTED BY BLOOD. In the first place, blood is necessary for atonement because of the principle of an eye for an eye. It is a life for a life. The very substance of life is the blood. It is that which maintains life in the flesh of man or beast. The blood carries oxygen and food to the cells, in return it carries waste. It warms, it cools, it fights disease and so on. It is the vital element of life for all. It is the soul life, in the identity of man as body, soul and spirit, three separate components yet one individual. Each and every living person is a type of the very Godhead who created us, a triunity. Only by the scriptures may we discern the differences between body, soul and spirit. The flesh lives by the life giving operation of the blood. Lev. 17:11 BLOOD, GIVEN BY THE LORD AS THE ONLY MODE OF ATONEMENT. It must be strongly emphasized here that the blood is the exclusive means whereby the Covenant of Salvation may be accomplished. It was designated by the Lord for atonement alone and not for any other purpose. Lev. 17:11 It is noteworthy that Moses, at the time of the dedication of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood, sacrificed a bullock. That bullock is not only typical of the blood of sacrifice, the blood of the Lord Jesus, it is also a type of the sacrificing of the strong will of man unto the Lord. When Moses placed the blood on the horns of the altar with his finger he purified the altar. It was a work of sanctification and dedication of the altar that reconciliation might be made on it. This is a word picture of the redemptive powers of an atonement made by blood. Please consider that the blood was for no other cause or effect, other than that of atonement. Lev. 8:15 This is not to minimize the extremely great value of the blood of Christ, by any means. There is no other atonement beside the precious blood of the Lamb. The whole plan of salvation is directly dependent on the priceless sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary. The reason for this series of studies is to exalt and properly evaluate the only way of atonement and that is through the blood of Jesus. His blood was not shed that we might “plead the blood” in spiritual warfare, but for the saving of the sinner. IN MY NAME. Because we have been redeemed by the blood of Christ we are given the privilege of using His Name in spiritual warfare. There is no greater, more majestic, mightier name than the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said, that those who believe, “In my name shall cast out devils,” speak in new tongues, find protection from harm and danger while laying hands on the sick and seeing them healed. Mark 16:17 It is His name, the force, the magnitude of His name, that is our weapon of warfare and deliverance. Peter introduced the lame man at the gate of the temple called Beautiful to the Lord Jesus and in His name commanded him to be made whole. Call upon His name, use His name in all the situations you face for there is victory in that name. He has freely given us His name to use. The greatest name in heaven or on earth. The wonderful, powerful name, of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ask in my NAME. John 14:13 BLOOD ATONEMENT 2 THE LIFE OF THE FLESH IS IN THE BLOOD. Spirit and soul are often used interchangeably in the scriptures. Yet they may be defined and need to be. Life [Heb. nefesh] is in the blood. The word nefesh indicates a living, breathing creature [animal] whether human or beast. While the word is translated in a variety of ways we will concentrate on the soul. Job referred to the fact that the soul of all living creatures and the breath of mankind was in the hands of the Lord. Job 12:10 David in Psalm 31:13 used the word life in speaking of the soul which his enemies had conspired to take from him. The soul of man is sinful, therefore it is necessary for the soul to be redeemed. Ps. 34:22 In order for a work of redemption to be accomplished it was necessary that blood be shed as an offering to the Lord. Not the blood of lower animals but the blood of the very highest order. The very blood of the Lord Himself, as a redemptive price for all of mankind. Jesus, “poured out His soul unto death.” Isa. 53:12 Showing the liquidity of the offering and the fact that it was His soul, or blood which was offered. Another view of the cross is given in Psalms 22:14 where it is said that He is poured out like water. Poured out, Heb. shaphak, to spill forth (blood, a libation), (figuratively), to expend (life, soul). Strongs Dict. THE SOUL. The seat, the center of emotions which are common to man. Here we find the personality, the ego, the desire, the passion, the appetite, the self. Those things that are common to all. The Israelites in the wilderness expressed boredom, even disdain with the manna supplied by the Lord by saying, “our soul is dried away.” Num. 11:6 They were brazen and bold enough to speak against the Lord and Moses by saying “we detest this miserable food.” Num. 21:5 NIV. Having been delivered from slavery such an attitude is utterly amazing, how ungrateful they were. The Lord had given them manna, the bread of heaven but they remembered the leeks and garlic of Egypt. Unappreciative, foolish people. Manna is a type of the Word of the Lord. What is our attitude toward it today? The soul is also very capable of some very positive things such as; “A thirst” for the true and living Lord. A strong desire originating in the very inner most being of the human soul and heart to know and experience the Lord. Ps. 63:1 A knowledge and appreciation that we are created by the Lord and that there is a second work of creation which He will accomplish in us. Ps. 139:14 The soul is capable of a great and wonderful love, especially when it is directed toward the Lord. It can fill the whole of our being and when satisfied, the occurrence is so marvelous that there is an immediate desire and longing for more of the same. SOS. 1:7 Any encounter with the Lord will create a worship and a praise toward the Almighty. He is glorious and knows just how to touch our lives in a way that is most pleasant. His presence will produce volumes of exhalation and the magnification of His great and glorious name as our soul worships Him, like Mary. Luke 1:46 The soul of man is complex and can do good or evil mostly determined by the spirit that is in us. BLOOD ATONEMENT 3 NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE SOUL. The soul is the ego, the self, the desire, the passion and appetite of man. It is here that those strong human desires are manifest which drive mankind to a fulfilling of that nature in human kind known as the carnal nature. David was moved to say, “Behold I was shapened in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” Ps. 51:4 There has been only one sinless birth and that was the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was every bit of the same being and nature, He lived His life without sin. He did not come under the control of the soulish nature but by the Spirit of God which dwelt within Him He was able to bring that soul into subjection. Christian, you and I have the same possibility as we submit to the Lord and allow the Spirit and the Word to guide us. we are, “more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” Rom. 8:37 Letting Him live His life through you, that is the secret. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SOUL. IT HAS APPETITE. A situation which relates to both the body and the soul. In the case of Israel they became bored with the manna and lost their desire for it. Most certainly, both a physical and spiritual condition. We are in bad shape when we lose our appetite for the things of the Lord. Num. 11:6 IT IS LUSTFUL. Here is a strong emotional situation which is faced continuously, and in many ways. Israel sinned by lusting for meat, while rejecting manna. Ps 78:18 It takes the form of inappropriate sexual desire, or a strong burning and drive for one of the opposite sex. Mt. 5:28 Likewise for one of the same sex. Rom. 1:27 We are prone to try to blame everyone from friends to the devil, but James said that it is our OWN lust which entraps us and leads us a stray. James 1:14-15 THE SOUL HAS DESIRE. In the case of David it was a positive desire to be fulfilled by the Lord. 1 Ki. 11:37 In the case of the wicked that which they desire will perish. Ps. 112:10 James writes a message which has the sound of tomorrow's local news paper. “Ye kill, and desire to have.” James 4:2 THE SOUL IS LOATHFUL. When death draws near the soul loses all desire for food and abhors the same. Ps. 107:18 There is certainly a spiritual application to be made here for when we die spiritually to sin we detest the same and strongly desire that life which is found in Christ. Job likewise takes note of the change which is evident as death draws near. From bread to fancy foods, the desire is suppressed. Job 33:19-20 THE SOUL IS TO BE REDEEMED. The Lord is the redeemer of the soul of those who serve Him. Ps. 34:22 An act of the Lord causing the participant to rejoice and sing. Ps. 71:23 BLOOD ATONEMENT 4 BLOOD SHED TO PROVIDE COVERING. The first human being sinned and became naked or void of the glory of the Lord. It was necessary that a covering for their nakedness be provided. Foreshadowing the work of salvation by blood, the Lord Himself made them clothing of the skin of an animal. Gen. 3:21 Following a pattern that is evident throughout the Word of the Lord it most likely was the skin of a lamb. Showing the forethought of the Lord, Jesus was as a lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Rev. 13:8 The shedding of blood was vital to their salvation, for salvation is accomplished by blood alone. Isaiah said that the Lord had clothed him with the garments of salvation and had placed the robes of His righteousness upon him, which were as the wedding garment of the bridegroom and the bride. A reference to Christ, the bridegroom and the perfect church, the bride. The ultimate of salvation and the work of the Lord in His people. Isa. 61:10 The Lord Himself provided the first act of atonement and redemption by blood sacrifice. He also provided the first clothing thus covering their sin, not hiding it but supplying a garb which would allow them to appear before the Lord without their sin being exposed. It was a sign of justification by faith in the blood of the LAMB. All sacrifices were acceptable only because of the ultimate sacrifice of the Christ of God. His blood and His blood alone is efficacious to cleanse from sin. THAT WHICH IS ACCEPTABLE AND THAT WHICH IS NOT. Adam had obviously taught his sons how to worship the Lord and how to offer sacrifices unto Him. His sons built altars with the purpose of presenting offerings to the Lord. Cain brought of the work of his hands, that which he had planted and cultivated. That which grew from the ground which had been cursed. Gen. 3:17 It was an offering of pride and contrary to the will of the Lord. Regardless of how beautifully he arranged his crops on the altar, he set himself up for rejection. He was not ignorant in doing his own thing. Gen. 4:2 Abel, brought the FIRSTLING [firstfruits] of his flock. In other words a blood sacrifice. Gen. 4:4 This gives evidence that they were not ignorant of the requirements of the Lord. The sacrifice brought by Abel was accepted while that of Cain was refused. Gen. 4:5 Cain quickly manifest the spirit and attitude with which he had brought his offering. He became very angry and downcast or discouraged. Gen. 4:7 In mercy and kindness the Lord rebuked him by telling him that if he did that which was right he too would be accepted. He had a choice to worship the Lord according to the will and desire of the Lord. Most unfortunately, what started out as acts of worship caused the first murder for Cain lured his brother Abel into the field, that he slew him. In so doing he further desecrated the soil. Gen. 4:8 SPEAKING BLOOD. The blood of innocent Abel, the man of God, cried unto the Lord for vengeance. Gen. 4:10 This is the nature of all blood innocent or otherwise that is spilt, it cries for vengeance. Even the blood of Christ. BLOOD ATONEMENT 5 THE BETRAYAL OF INNOCENT BLOOD. A truth proclaimed by six witnesses at the time of the crucifixion of Christ Jesus. JUDAS. The one of His twelve disciples who was the person who betrayed Jesus by identifying Him with a kiss. Too late he became remorseful, recognizing the awful act of his sin. He acknowledged that he had, “sinned and betrayed innocent blood.” Mat. 27:4 Peter was later to testify of Him that He did not sin neither was deceit found in all of His speech. 1 Pet. 2:22 PILATE’S WIFE. Sent an urgent message to Pilate while he was sitting in judgment and was about to be confronted by the accusers of Christ, warning him to absolve himself of any judgment or passing of sentence for Jesus was an innocent, just and righteous man. Her dream had more than convinced her of His innocence. Mt. 27:19 PILATE. The governor, sitting as a judge. Subtly Pilate tried to release Him but His accusers were adamant in their accusations. In vain Pilate tried to proclaim himself free of guilt by washing his hands in water while at the same time proclaiming himself to be “innocent of the blood of this just man.” He therefore acknowledged the innocence of Jesus. Mt. 27:24 HEROD. Pilate sent Him to Herod who found no actions worthy of death. Herod and his soldiers mocked Him, dressed Him in an elegant robe and returned Him to Pilate. Luke 23:15 THE MALEFACTOR WHO CAME TO CHRIST. At the first, both thieves ridiculed and mocked Him, but one turned and came to his senses, realizing that he was in the same position and was about to die. Earnestly he requested Jesus to remember him as He entered His kingdom, sounds like a good solid confession of faith. He too proclaimed the blamelessness of the Lord Jesus by stating that they were guilty of the crimes for which they were being crucified while Jesus had “Done nothing amiss.” Luke 23:40-43 THE ROMAN CENTURION. The leader of fifty to one hundred men. A man hardened to war and death. With the darkness over the whole of the land. The rending of the veil of the temple. The earth quake, the splitting of the rocks all served to convince him of the purity of Jesus. Also that He was more than all the accusations had made Him to be, He was indeed God. No doubt the words of Jesus as He commended His Spirit into the hands of His Father were further used to persuade him that Jesus was indeed without sin and the very person He had proclaimed Himself to be. His testimony was, “certainly this was an innocent man." Luke 23:44-45 BLOOD ATONEMENT 6 THE BLOOD OF THE INNOCENT ONE. IT IS THE BLOOD OF ENTRANCE. The blood of the Son of God afforded Him entrance in to the Holy of Holies, that is into heaven itself. His access was to the very throne of God. He entered but once and it was sufficient for the redemption of all who would accept His sacrifice for all of time. Jesus’ offering provided eternal redemption. Heb. 9:12 Jesus offered the only acceptable sacrifice. It is impossible that the blood of animal sacrifice could ever remove sin. All the animals sacrificed by the priests of Israel were but type and symbol pointing to the real, the death of the Lord Jesus. Heb. 10:4 Under the Law, sacrifices were a daily act. In comparison, in the offering of Himself, Jesus once and for all made the sacrifice that accomplished completely the Divine purpose of the Lord. Heb. 7:27 HIS BLOOD BECOMES TO US THE BLOOD OF PRIVILEGE. We now have the God given right of coming boldly, with faith, confidence and cheerful courage into the Holiest. Our access there having been purchased by the blood of the Lord Heb. 10:19 We may approach the throne of His grace with the uttermost confidence, knowing that it is our privilege as sons of the Most High. We have been born of His Spirit. We are the children of the Father by adoption. Rom. 8:15 We are not treated as servants but fully accepted as a son and therefore recognized as an heir of God. Gal. 4:6 The Lord has not given us a spirit of timidity and fearfulness but contrariwise a spirit of power, love and most wonderfully, a sound mind. A mind that is like the mind of Christ. 2 Tim. 1:7 It is a way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is His flesh, through His body which He offered up to the Lord. Heb. 10:20 When He was crucified the veil in the temple was rent in two exemplifying this very truth. The way to the Lord was no longer through a priest but every man was to become a priest and come to the Lord for himself. Mt. 27:51 HIS BLOOD IS TO THE CHURCH THE BLOOD OF PERFECTION. It is recognized and proclaimed to be the ”blood of the everlasting covenant”. Blood that was offered by the great shepherd of the sheep, the Lord Jesus. The effect of the cleansing of that blood is perfection. The perfection of His sheep, the church of the Lord Jesus. Through the effect of that blood working in us we stand pure, clean and sanctified before the Lord. His will is wrought in our lives. The path and pattern of our lives is that which is well pleasing in His sight. Heb. 13:20-21 It is time for the church to begin to press toward the prize of holiness and purity which is the high calling of God in Christ. There is set before us a standard of perfection before the Lord that must become our goal for the end of the age. Every effort of the Lord toward His church is to prepare her for the wedding of the Lamb. The wedding garment is the perfection of Christ. Phil. 3:14-15. BLOOD ATONEMENT 7 THE SAFE HOUSE. INTRODUCING THE PASSOVER AND THE LAMB. The Lord was about to lead Israel out of Egypt. He was granting them a new start, a new life. This generation had never known any kind of a life other than slavery. This was a fresh beginning for them. How much like the life of the sinner, in slavery to his desires, lusts and cravings for that which can never satisfy, sin. For Israel it was to be a beginning of months. The Lord was about to institute a religious calendar for them. Prior to their subjection to the Egyptians the month had been known as Abib, meaning an ear of grain a springing forth. Ex. 12:2 It was the time of the barley harvest. The food of the poor. A new start. Exactly what we find in the Lord Jesus when we are born again. After their captivity the month was called Nisan, meaning the month of flowers. A time of beauty. A new beginning in Christ is indeed a thing of beauty. Abib, corresponds to our March-April and was the seventh month of the civil year. Of interest is the fact that the seventh month of the Levitical year fell in the seventh month of the civil year, which would place it in September-October. Seven is the number of Divine completion. The original feasts of Israel, Passover. Pentecost and Tabernacles, spanned a period of seven months, from Abib to Tishri or Ethanim. Ethanim has the definition of living streams or ever-flowing streams. It is a beautiful and wonderful symbol of the last day outpouring of the waters of the Spirit. A LAMB TO BE CHOSEN. The choosing of the lamb was the responsibility of the Father. Abraham had prophesied that God would provide Himself a lamb, he had perfect absolute faith that the Lord would provide a substitute for Isaac or in the extreme, raise him from the dead. Gen. 22:8, Heb. 11:19 The experience of Abraham and Isaac was a type of what the Lord would do in sending His Son into the world. John the Baptist, is recorded twice as identifying the Lord Jesus as the Lamb of God. John 1:29, 36 Every lamb slain in commemoration of the Passover was a witness and testimony of the true Lamb of God who was to come. “Christ our Passover is crucified for us.” 1 Cor. 5:7 Ever since the establishment of the feast, Israel has celebrated yearly that which was to speak to them of the true Messiah. Precisely, to the days and the hours involved, Jesus' crucifixion fulfilled all the necessary steps to become the Lamb of God. In the case of Abraham, the Lord caused the necessary sacrifice to be provided and Abraham proclaimed Him to be Jehovah-jireh, the Lord our provider. Furthermore he stated that, in the mount of the Lord it shall be seen. Gen. 22:14 How exacting is the Lord? His Lamb was crucified on a hill called mount Calvary, the place of the skull. Luke 23:33 The head of the body, the Lord Jesus died to give life to His own. Every prophecy in the Old Testament pertaining to the Lord Jesus was consummated in His life, ministry, death, burial and resurrection. The Lord has left this world with a witness and testimony that is certain and positive. He is God and none beside Him. BLOOD ATONEMENT 8 A SPECIFIED DAY FOR CHOOSING THE LAMB. The lamb was to be chosen on the tenth day. The number ten is a Divine complete number speaking of perfect government and order. The Israelites were about to see the mighty workings of the Lord as their Deliverer and King. Their release from slavery and subsequent guidance from the Lord was based on the sacrifice of the blood of the lamb. Ex. 12:3 The animal that was to be sacrificed was to be kept apart from the flock for a period of four days. These four days foreshadowed the four thousand years from the sin of Adam to the Atonement made by the Lord Jesus at Calvary. The Lamb of God was revealed after the fourth day. Revelation of secrets kept from the from the beginning. Mt. 13:35 The fourteenth day of the first month, the month of Abib was the time when the new beginning was celebrated by the offering of the blood of the lamb. It was to be a lamb for a household. If the members of the family were too few to eat all of the lamb then neighbors were to share together. The father was to choose the lamb, even as the Lord Jesus was chosen from the foundation of the world by His Father. Rev. 13:8 The Passover is a type of the communion table and should be a time of sharing together as one family. Ex. 12:4 THE ORDER OF THE FEAST. THE LAMB. So typical of the Lord Jesus, must be of the highest order and perfect, without blemish. The Lord Jesus is the only perfect human ever to be born in to this world. The only one to have lived a life of perfection and in absolute purity. 1 Pet. 1:19 Christ is our Passover sacrifice. 1 Cor. 5:7 It was to be a lamb of the first year having reached the youth of its life. Jesus was crucified as a young man, filled with the vigor of life and in the very apex of His ministry. The slaying of the lamb was an act of which the whole population of Israel was to participate. The responsibility of the death of Christ rests upon all men, for He died for all. His purpose was that all come to a knowledge of Christ as savior. 2 Pet. 3:9 The application of blood. The blood of the lamb was to be put on the door posts and the lintel which was a threefold application. Likewise at the dedication of the priest there was a threefold application of blood. It was placed on the tip of the right ear, the thumb of the right hand and upon the great toe of his right foot. Lev. 8:23-24 In the first instance it signified that all who were in the house were in covenant relationship. In the second covenant relationship of those who ministered before the Lord. The slaying and roasting of the lamb was a type of the suffering which the Lord Jesus would suffer. The unleavened bread signified the complete lack of any mixture with the leaven of this world in the Lord Jesus; while the bitter herbs helped to emphasize the fact of His emotional suffering. Even though He was the Son of God, His feelings were exactly like yours and mine. Ex. 12:8 There was only one way that was to be utilized in cooking it. Any other way was improper. We all come to Jesus, ONE WAY. He said I am the way, the truth and the life. John 14:6 BLOOD ATONEMENT 9 AN IMPORTANT REPRESENTATION. The flesh was to be eaten in the darkness of the night, within the privacy of their homes. In partaking of the Communion, we are partaking in the midst of the night, and darkness of a world that is lost. Communion is a sacred service and we partake of it in the presence of the family of the Lord, in the house of the Lord. The foreigner or the hired servant were not to participate. It was exclusively for those who were about to be delivered from Egypt. How similar their treatment of the lamb was to that of Christ, inasmuch as not a bone of its body was to be broken. Ex. 12:46 This command was wonderfully accomplished at Calvary, when contrary to custom, the legs of the Lord Jesus were not broken, for He had already expired. We find here an illustration of the power of the Word. The Lord pronounced it and in that manner it was consummated. John 19:36 THE PASSOVER EATEN WITH A HEIGHTENED EXPECTATION. The excitement of the people must have been great. They had never passed this way before. They were to be fully prepared to leave. Completely clothed and with their shoes on, ready momentarily to depart Egypt and slavery. Can you feel their excitement. Everything was new and different. The Lord was about to do a might work in their midst. They were to know the freedom and blessing of the Lord. Ex. 12:11 What was to be a great experience in the Lord was to be a judgment to the Egyptians. Diametrically opposite encounters with the Lord. To the those fulfilling the Passover, liberty and freedom. To those not participating, judgment, death, destruction and great sorrow. Every first born would die, whether of man or beast. Ex. 12:12 The midnight hour was chosen by the Lord for this tragic visitation. The midnight hour is significant of the end of the age and we are quickly approaching that hour of the night. The supreme judgments of the Lord are prepared and about to be loosed on his world. Streamlets that are now trickling from the heights to the valleys will soon be turned into torrents of the great manifestation of the wrath of the Almighty. The prophecies of the book of Revelation are on the brink of fulfillment. It is time to take refuge in the safe house of the Lord. The evidence of obedience, the blood sprinkled on the door post and the lintel, was the sign, the token, the evidence that those within that house were partakers of the Passover. It was required that they be within the house in order to be delivered. Any first born outside the house, regardless of birth or nationality would die. There was just one safe place and that was in the house displaying the blood of sacrifice. Ex. 12:13 Redemption can only be accomplished by blood. There is no other way. Every individual, from Adam to the very last man can only be redeemed by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The multitude of sacrifices offered under the Law were simply types pointing to the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. His blood and His blood alone is the price of redemption. 1 Pet. 1:19 BLOOD ATONEMENT 10 THE BLOOD OF THE NEW COVENANT. By His own blood. No longer the blood of animals sacrificed and burned on the altars of Israel. Through the offering of Himself, Jesus accomplished what fifteen hundred years of sacrifice could not. His blood is the key to entrance into the Most Holy Place, or the very throne presence of the Lord. The tabernacle and the temple were types, Christ has entered into that which is eternal and is the original, from which the others were copied. The magnitude of His completed word is found in the words, “once for all” Heb. 9:12 The offering up of Himself once absolutely satisfied the demands of the Lord for a sacrifice that fulfilled the Divine requirements. The offering of Himself was sufficient, there can be no other sacrifice. The supreme sacrifice has already been made. Because He was born of a woman, born in the flesh, it was necessary that He too be redeemed. Even though He was without sin, He was a human and all humans must be redeemed. As it was necessary that the priest first offer a sacrifice for himself, so it was with Jesus. As our high priest His body must be redeemed and that by His own blood. The high priest went before the Ark of the Covenant yearly, first of all he made atonement for himself, then for the people. Heb. 9:7 THE FORCE AND POWER OF SIN BROKEN. So efficacious is the blood of Christ that we are forgiven all our sin, which is glorious. More than that: in His atonement there is the power to save us from our sin. To cause sin to cease in our lives completely. Not in theory but in fact. Christ “appeared to PUT AWAY SIN.” Not to ignore it or to look the other way, but to cause it to cease completely. Heb. 9:26 Here is the challenge of the Word. “He was manifested to take away our sin, and in Him is no sin.” 1 John 3:5 He was without sin, utterly, totally, positively. Were it not so He could not have removed our sin by the offering of Himself. Those who abide [this is the key] in Him do not commit sin. These are strong words spoken by John, but they are truth and must be heeded if we are to be successful in our Christian walk. The words of John do not sound much like the modern day teaching that we sin every day. He said that the person who sins has not seen Christ nor has he known him. 1 John 3:5-6 He then recognizes sin as the work of the devil, for from the beginning he was a sinner. Jesus came into the world to destroy the works of the devil. In so doing He not only destroys the past sin of our lives but He is able to keep us from sin. Those who are born of God do not commit sin. Such a positive statement, powerful and to the point. We are not waiting to be delivered from sin, definitely we are delivered from the very act of sin because we are born of God. The same Spirit that was resident in the Lord Jesus is now the Spirit which dwells within us. Therefore, as His Spirit is predominant in our lives there is no room for unrighteousness or ungodliness. 1 John 3:7-8 We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. We are called to be victorious in Him. BLOOD ATONEMENT 11 PRECIOUS BLOOD. It is the vital element of natural life. We may continue to live in this life without the help of several of the appendages and organs of the human body but when blood is lost, life is lost. It is of extreme necessity and very precious to us. The blood of Jesus is the only source of forgiveness and cleansing from sin. Blood is valuable to the continuance of human life but the blood of Jesus is most valuable to those seeking eternal life. His blood is indeed, of the greatest benefit. It is honored and esteemed by all who have been freed from sin by its purging power. It is the blood of holiness and purity, for Jesus was as a Lamb of absolute perfection, unblemished and untainted spiritually, morally or physically. 1 Pet. 1:19 His body is the only physical body of the Godhead. His blood is the very essence of the blood of God Himself. With it, He has purchased for Himself a church, not a physical building but a body of believers who possess His life and will live His life here in this world and in the world to come. Acts 20:28 ONE WAY, ONE ATONEMENT. The door to deliverance from death in Egypt was a blood sprinkled door. That door symbolized the blood of the Son of the Most High. Jesus made it very plain that He is the door to life eternal. He stated, “I am the door.” John 10:7, 9 All attempts to come any other way are but most futile. Jesus noted, that those trying to climb in some other way are all thieves and robbers. John 10:1 Very strong statements that deserve the utmost perusal on our behalf. Things which are capable of being corrupted cannot be used as a means of salvation. The monetary elements of this world though valuable are insufficient to purchase the salvation of one person. No one will ever be able to buy their way into heaven with silver, gold or any other perishable item of value. Their worth is only for the here and now. In eternity they will be valueless. Whether good works or religious traditions, they will also come short and fail to gain an entrance into the kingdom of heaven. 1 Pet. 1:18-19 The Lord has stipulated that there is but one way, and that is through the most precious blood of Jesus. THAT CHURCH. That church is the true church of the last days. She is the great and wonderful harvest of the Lord in the end of the age. She is the church within the church. Her spiritual attainments are as great and significant as those of the Lord Jesus, Himself. She is like Him. She has been washed from every spot and stain of sin by the blood of Jesus. Rev. 1:5 She is totally sanctified, purified and separated unto the Lord. Having allowed the Word of the Lord to cleanse her from all contaminates of the world and a worldly church. She is a glorious church, filled with all the splendor of the God of glory. She is an exact replica of the Lord Jesus. Like Him in every aspect. Perfect of Spirit. Perfect of mind and soul. Physically and Spiritually in absolute perfect form. No sin will be found in her, for she is perfect in every manner. Eph. 5:26-27 BLOOD ATONEMENT 12 INNOCENT BLOOD CREATES INNOCENCE. The offering of the blood of bulls and goats was sufficient for the cleansing of the flesh, the outer man. Heb. 9:13 BUT NOW, the blood of Christ, the anointed one. Who offering Himself, as a sacrifice which was pure, blameless and altogether righteous by the help and instigation of the eternal Spirit, will purge your conscience. What a contrast between the cleansing of the flesh and the cleansing and purification of the conscience, the inner man, the spirit nature. Not only liberated from the ever present feeling of guilt but completely released from the memory and condemnation of the past. Separated from all vain religious activity and philosophy which is used in an attempt to cover the guilt of sin. Now, the conscience is cleared of all such condemnation. The whole of the inner man, the spiritual man is sanctified and positioned to serve the Lord. Heb. 9:14 WE HAVE A TRUE MEDIATOR. He represents all men equally before the throne of His Father. Jesus is completely impartial for He died for all men. He is the sole mediator of the New Testament, that is, the New Covenant. It must be emphasized that there is no other go-between who can and will represent us before the throne of the Lord. He fully represents all men, from Adam to the last man. In particular the scripture calls attention to the fact that those, of faith, like the Patriarchs of old, even before the Law of Moses and those under the Law all are represented by the Lord Jesus. They could only be saved by His blood and intercession. Jesus died for all, that all might receive everlasting life. There will be no one in heaven who has not come through the door, the way of the cross of Christ. There simply is no other way. Heb. 9:15 His blood is the only redemption. FOR THERE IS ONE GOD. In courtesy to all the religions of the world the scriptures teach the Unity of God and the distinct truth that there is but one way to come to know Him. The Lord will recognize but one mediator between man and the occupant of the heavenly throne and that ONE MEDIATOR, is none other but the Lord Jesus Christ. The person who at one and the same time is both the sacrifice and the intercessor. The one who paid the supreme ransom price for every individual, thus excluding none. 1 Tim. 2:5-6 He introduced and instigated a better Testament or Covenant. Making Himself the surety, the guarantor, the bondsman of that which is superior. It is unchangeable, everlasting and cannot fail. It will never be replaced by another. It is the final Testament. Heb. 7:22 Jesus is the only mediator of the New Covenant of blood, that is His very own blood. The blood of Able speaks of vengeance, the blood of Christ speaks forgiveness. Heb. 12:24 This Covenant is the greatest of all. It is established, therefor it is ratified by the Lord Himself. It is founded on the very ultimate of promises whereby it is acknowledged as the ultimate, the crowning work of redemption. All because it is established and served by the Lord Jesus Christ. Heb. 8:6 BLOOD ATONEMENT 13 REMISSION OF SIN BY BLOOD ALONE. A Bible Testament cannot exist without the shedding of blood. The old Covenant was established by the blood of animals. Moses after having presented the Law to the people took blood, water, scarlet wool and hyssop to sprinkle the scroll of the Law and the people. Blood and water signify the dual witness of the Lord Jesus who came by blood and water. Jesus born of a woman, born of water and blood. The two are vital to natural birth and spiritual birth. At His crucifixion, water and blood spilled from His side as He was pierced by the spear of the soldier. John 19:34 The Spirit the meanwhile bearing witness. 1 John 5:6 As man in natural birth is born of water and blood, so man in Spiritual birth is born again after the same pattern, blood, water and spirit. John 3:5 Blood is the vital necessity to the Covenants. Water speaks to us of baptism Mark 16:16, and the further cleansing of the washing of water by the Word. Eph. 5:6 The color scarlet, symbolical of royalty and righteousness, elements that foreshadow the Lord Jesus, who in mockery was clothed with a scarlet robe. Mt. 27:28. The hyssop spoken of by the psalmist as a means of cleansing was used extensively as a bunch, to sprinkle the blood of sacrifice. Ps. 51:7 Under the Law, the whole of the place of worship as well as priest and people were to be sprinkled by blood. Heb. 9:18-21 There can be absolutely no release from the guilt of sin without the precious blood of Christ cleansing the individual. Heb. 9:22 THE SANCTIFICATION OF THE HEAVENLY. Indicating that even the heavenly had been contaminated. The fall of satan involved the very throne presence of the Lord. There was no created being which possessed a higher status in the kingdom of God than he. He is termed the “anointed cherub that covereth.” This placed him in an extremely important position of power and authority. He was an anointed cherub, created, not born a son. Of lesser status than the Word or Logos, the Lord Jesus. He was a covering or a defense, again short of the Lord Jesus who was to become the mercy seat, or covering of sin, atonement. He had access to the holy mountain of the Most High. He was there, in the presence of all that is holy and pure and was a part of the whole glory and majesty of the throne. He associated with the stones of fire, the presence and power of the Spirit of the Lord. Eze. 28:14 His action and mannerism was as perfect as the very one who created him until the thoughts and reasoning of his heart revealed the jealousy and desire to take over and become God. Eze. 28:15 Beauty, wisdom and the light and brilliancy of the Lord was upon him. His heart was overwhelmed with pride, therefore he was deposed and cast down to the earth loosing his status eternally. Eze. 28:17 His destiny now is none other than the lake of fire. He will be utterly destroyed in the future. In the mean time he has access to heaven where he still contaminates by his vile presence and his current work of the accusation of the brethren. Rev. 12:10 An ungodly labor which he exercises day and night. Beware lest our criticism of our brethren assists him in any way. He is not a happy being like any critic who follows his example. BLOOD ATONEMENT 14 A ROYAL ENTRANCE INTO THE REALM OF ROYALTY. Heaven, the Most Holy Place. The sanctuary of sanctuaries. The place of the true sacrifice offered on earth and preserved eternally in the Heavens. All other holy places were but a replica of the real, the everlasting. It is here that Christ has entered to fully accomplish the atonement and sanctification of all who believe and received this finished work of redemption. His presence before God is that of an intercessor for mankind. Heb. 9:24 It is the throne room of the living God and eternal, everlasting King. Far exceeding in greatness and splendor all worldly places of worship. The Tabernacle of absolute perfection. Christ our great high priest has entered in by virtue of, and with the perfect offering of His own blood. Establishing forever all the benefits and blessing of the All Mighty. Heb. 9:11 On hearing her name, “Mary,” she immediately recognized His voice and acknowledged Him. My sheep hear my voice. He prohibited her touching Him, for he had “not yet ascended” to His Father. It is here, at this moment of time that He ASCENDED, not descended, and entered into heaven itself as the “great high priest.” Heb. 4:14 If He ascended and entered with the blood of atonement into heaven, He could not very well have descended into hell. PURCHASED BY BLOOD TO BE HIS POSSESSION. Salvation is an individual matter. The manner in which we come to Christ is as varied as the vast number who have accepted Him as their savior. However it is not His purpose to let them wander as babes and grow spiritually in a topsy turvy fashion. For He has said that He places them in families. Ps. 68:6 The whole of His family, whether in earth or heaven bear His name. Eph. 3:15 He has purchased every member of His family and ordered the ministry to watch over and feed HIS sheep. His church has been purchased by Divine blood. Therefore it is of the utmost value. No other commodity in heaven or earth is of equal value. Acts 20:28 The Holy Spirit is the seal of the fact that the item has been purchased. It is a verification that the purchase has been completed and that the individual is awaiting the final act of redemption, that is of our bodies in transformation or resurrection. The presence of the Spirit is as a deposit of guarantee, a verification of an accomplished transfer of citizenship. An authentication that we are His very own purchased by His blood and sealed by His Spirit, which is giving us as an assurance of life eternal. We look forward with great anticipation to that day when the redeemed in soul and spirit will reach the climax of redemption, the changing of our vile bodies into the glorious likeness of His resurrected and eternal body. Paul calls it an adoption. A drastic change of life style. Eph. 1:14 The world in which we live is beginning to see the foreshadowing of events which signal the last days. Jesus said when these things begin to come to pass we were to lift up our heads and rejoice for that ultimate work of redemption was approaching. Luke 21:28 BLOOD ATONEMENT 15 REDEMPTION, THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS. Mankind on their own do not stand a chance. From conception, sin is charged against us. From the first cell that begins the process of the formation of a baby, the condemnation of sin is upon us. Ps. 51:5 "Shapen in iniquity." The word shapen comes from a root-word-meaning, to, twist-or-twirl (in a circular - or a spiral manner). The very material of which each human Is made. Just to show the infinity of our Lord the creator, no two persons have the same DNA, the building blocks of the body. "The DNA molecule consists of two polynucleotide chains arranged in a double helix (spiral)." David by the inspiration of the Spirit uses the proper terminology to describe the miracle of the formation of a baby in the womb. Ps. 51:5 However miraculous the growth of that child, it is still born in sin and is a sinner. Therefore it stands in absolute need of one to redeem it and free it from the guilt and condemnation of iniquity. There is but one redeemer who can completely forgive and pardon our sin, He is the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 1:14 Jesus has released the prisoners of sin by paying the price of their redemption. He has brought new life and liberty to those who were at one time held by the chains and the bondage of unrighteousness. He has purchased an eternal redemption for all who will believe in Him and accept His free gift of everlasting freedom. Heb. 9:12 THE VALUE AND RESULT OF HIS REDEMPTION. His blood has the ability to sanctify the people. That which has been grossly contaminated by the sin of this world is cleansed and sanctified until it is made to be holy, purified and consecrated unto good works. The change which is accomplished as a result of the sanctifying power of the blood is immense. The life is turned around and suddenly the former way of life is despised and a full change is wrought. There is indeed tremendous power for cleansing and sanctification in the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Heb.13:12 Where before we were in ignorance or lacked the courage to approach unto a God of holiness, now with the knowledge of that which has been consummated in us, by His blood we exercise an entirely different approach. We may now come "boldly" to the throne of grace. Entering into the majestic presence of the God of the whole earth with a deep assurance and knowledge that we are His prized possession. We are members of His family. As children of the most high we approach in absolute confidence that He hears us when we pray. Heb. 10:19 We now have perfect-access through faith to every Divine privilege that is afforded those who are His, and now named sons of the Lord. Rom. 5:2 The importance of the Spirit at work in our lives is emphasized by the fact that we come into His presence through the Spirit. It is the Spirit who directs our prayers and when we are at a loss as to how to pray He intercedes and elevates us to that glorious throne presence of the Lord. It is vital that we learn to be led of the Spirit for He becomes the director of our lives and will lead and guide us into all truth. Heb. 10:19 John 16:7-8 BLOOD ATONEMENT 16 THE BLOOD OF JESUS IS THE BLOOD OF SANCTIFICATION. A work producing holiness in the lives of His people. Heb. 13:12 This time the cleansing of the blood is much more personal. It is a feat that is accomplished in the hearts of the people and not like the covenant of the law, which stood on animal sacrifices and was only efficacious to cleanse the flesh. Heb. 9:13 The New Covenant in the blood of Christ produces an equality that is heavenly and spiritual. It makes those who are sanctified to be ONE with the sanctifier, the Lord Jesus Christ. They become one family, a unit which is holy and eternal. Heb. 2:11 That the Lord is desirous of having a people, a family that is righteous even as He is righteous is in great evidence in the Word. Sanctification is an important element in the building up of the body of Christ. The Lord never ceases to work on us, what a job He has. He has given us the truth in His Word that it too might become effective in us and bring forth a continuos act of purification. John 17:19 Therefore we desperately need the Word that it too might help generate a people thoroughly washed by the Word. Those who come into a full and complete knowledge of the immense desire of the Lord to prepare for Himself a bride. Eph. 5:26 JESUS’ BLOOD AND WATER SPILLED WITHOUT THE CAMP. In an effort to convey to the people the separation between the old covenant and the new, Christ died outside of the city of Jerusalem. Golgotha, at that time was not inside the gates of the city. Since then, for commercial purposes and for the naive visitors, the place that is shown is inside the city. The scripture specifically states that, “He suffered without the city.” Heb. 13:12 The spear thrust by the soldier drew blood and water from His side as He hung on the cross. Jesus did not die from this wound, nor did He die from crucifixion, nor yet from a broken heart. He died long before the effect of His great sufferings could claim His life. He gave His life. On the cross He said, “Father into thy hands I commend my spirit and having said thus, He gave up the ghost.” Luke 23:46 He had also said, that no man would take His life from Him, “But I lay it down of Myself.” John 10:18 Man is born of water and blood. He must also be born again of water [Word and baptism] and blood. Jesus came by water and blood, Thus fulfilling all the requirements of the law for divers washings. Heb. 9:10 Plasma is the watery liquid in which the blood cells move about in the body. Plasma is about ninety percent water. Blood is the river of life flowing through the body. Blood and water are vital to life. Water is as important to life on earth as is blood. The earth is more than seventy percent covered with water. Your body is about two-thirds water. The invitation of the Spirit and the bride is mutual. Let the whosoever will come and partake of the water of life, freely, without cost or lack of quantity. Rev. 22:17 The true “water of life” is that which flows from the eternal throne of God and of the Lamb. Rev. 22:1 The Lord is the source of all life. Water and blood are principally essential to both natural and Spiritual life. BLOOD ATONEMENT 17 THE BLOOD OF PEACE. Peace of spirit, heart and mind is determine by our acceptance and relationship to the blood of Christ. The only source of lasting peace is to be found in the Lord Jesus. Col. 1:20. For the unsaved, “There is no peace.” Isa. 48:22 The most important area of peace that is granted the believer is that of having peace with the Lord himself, without being at peace with Him there can be no peace in the human heart. His is our peace, giving us absolute and full confidence and assurance of mind and soul. Rom. 5:1 A spiritual mind can only be found in one who has been cleansed and made new by the blood of Christ. It is the source of the life and the peace which is possible only through the Lord Jesus. Rom. 8:6 THE BLOOD OF RECONCILIATION. Whereby we are brought into full and perfect fellowship with the Lord of all. A mutual meeting where every difference is absolved. Not only are we now in union with the Lord but we have been given the responsibility of the ministry of reconciliation. The responsibility of the body of Christ, the church is to minister, by the Spirit reconciliation to a world that is at enmity with the Lord. 2 Cor. 5:18 With the ministry of reconciliation, He has also granted us the Word of reconciliation whereby those of the world may be born into the family of the Lord. Reconciliation is accompanied by absolute and complete forgiveness of all trespasses and iniquities. Full pardon awaits the one who is reconciled to the Lord. 2 Cor. 5:19 The price that He paid for our reconciliation is beyond reckoning. How can we evaluate it? First of all, He who is the Word became flesh. That in itself is one tremendous step downward, from Deity to becoming a human and being born in a body that was subject to sin. His temptations were to the utmost of the ability of satan to try Him. Thank God, He was without sin. Therefore He became the high priest of reconciliation. Only Christ can cleanse us from our sin and reconcile us to God. Heb. 2:17 THE INCOMPARABLE ACHIEVEMENT OF RECONCILIATION. The goal of the Lord is not to have a people who are a “mixed multitude,” or of a yo-yo nature. He takes the worst of sinners and alters their whole being. Where once we were the enemies of the Lord and far from Him. Not really wanting the change that He brings into our lives but curious and wondering about Him. Now, having been reconciled by His grace we are called and chosen by the Lord to a life, in this life, that is precisely like His life. He will find for Himself a people who are holy, unblameable and unreprovable in His sight. Col. 1:21-22 Every aim and purpose of the Lord that has any effect on our lives will produce a change which leads to righteousness and purity. He is a God who is the very essence of holiness and purity. Our challenge is to be the very best that we can be. Why drift away from the Lord and miss the very reason that we have been given this wonderful Spiritual existence? BLOOD ATONEMENT 18 A LOST CONDITION RECTIFIED. The Apostle addresses the pitiful condition of fallen man in relationship to the Lord. Describing the unsaved as being lost, possessing no hope, without God, without Christ. Aliens from the citizenship of heaven and strangers from the covenant of life eternal. How much more pitiful their condition seems when those who were once in that position, look back and take note of where they have come from. One can be as close as sitting on the threshold of the door of salvation, but if they are still on the outside, like the first born of Egypt, they are lost. The only safe place is inside the door. Eph. 2:12 The blood of Jesus Christ Gods Son changes all that. Where we were once on the outside and alienated, now we are brought close, ever so close by His sacrifice. Full and complete fellowship with the Lord. None preferred before the other all made to be equal in Christ. Eph. 2:13 We are now included among the citizens of heaven and have our citizenship in that eternal land of the blood redeemed. We belong to the family and household of the Lord. Eph. 2:18 A COMPLETE WORK ACCOMPLISHED, NOW. We are not waiting for that which is to come but are now enjoying the liberties and freedoms of the kingdom of our God and His Christ. The future is good and it is filled with the promises of His Word but we live in the NOW. We have needs that must be met today and that is exactly what He has executed. We are currently, present tense, liberated from the power of darkness and that is vital for today. According to His Word, He has translated or transformed us into a different dimension. That of His kingdom. There is now an established kingdom of God in this life. There is a kingdom to come which will be established for a thousand years on this earth. Then there is the New Heavens and the New Earth which are yet to come and Will be the eternal order. If we are in possession of, and possessed by the Holy Spirit we already have the Spirit which will prevail in that which is everlasting. Likewise when we exhibit righteousness along with the peace and joy of His kingdom we are manifesting the atmosphere of that which is eternal. Rom. 14:17 How close is the kingdom? Repentance will spring wide the door for all who will be excised thereby. Mat. 4:17 The kingdom of our Lord should be first in every detail of our lives. We somehow fail to grasp that when we place the Lord before anything else in this world, we reap great benefits. As a matter of fact it is the only way of life for those who would really serve the Lord and enjoy kingdom benefits. When He is first, some things that seemed so necessary no longer are wanted at all. Then the things that are beneficial are added to our lives, just because we are serving the Lord and not greedy after earthly things. Mat. 6:33 Jesus speaking in the present tense noted that there are times when the kingdom endures violence and the violent take it by force. There are some elements of the kingdom that are only revealed or embraced after a time of persistent and prevailing prayer. What ever the struggle, the reward is always well worth every effort made to achieve all that Jesus has for us. Mt. 11:12 BLOOD ATONEMENT 19 THE LORD HAS PLACED ALL OF MANKIND IN ONE CATEGORY. His purpose being that He might manifest His mercy and His grace in each and every life, in the same magnitude. The scriptures are very plain in this manner by placing all in the class of sinners. With the explicit expectation that He might extend His forgiveness and pardon to all who will believe and accept His atoning grace. Gal. 3:22 The Lord recognizes but two classes of people, sinners and those who have been forgiven their sin. His will is that the whole of humanity be crowded into the latter grouping. His perfect will for all men every where is that they should not perish but come to repentance. 2 Pet. 3:9 FULL REDEMPTION IS IN CHRIST JESUS. Jesus, from the very beginning placed himself in the place of the sinner. The true substitute for all human kind who have been taken captive by sin and are unaware of their pitiful plight. Few realize their desperate need until they find that new life that is in the Lord Jesus. Then, when they have something with which they may compare the old life they become aware of how poor and miserable that old life of sin was. Jesus came to give His life a ransom for the many who would recognize that they were being held in sin and except someone step forward and pay the price required, they would continue to be incarcerated in sin. Mt. 20:28 Redemption, freedom from sin, is by one element and only one, that is through the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. All sin is forgiven and a heavenly pardon granted to those who come through the blood of Jesus. Eph. 1:6 JESUS, THE PROPITIATION FOR EVERY MAN. In its simplest form and understanding the word means, to appease, to satisfy a demand for a price to be paid for the salvation of the sinner. It is foreshadowed in the Tabernacle and Temple by what was known as the “mercy seat,” or covering, to cover the guilt of sin. It was that piece of furniture upon which blood was sprinkled to atone for the tent or building in which the “mercy seat” was housed, For all its furnishings, for the high priest, for his family and for the people of Israel. Lev. 16:20, 16:17 Jesus is our propitiation, our mercy seat. The place where His blood will cleanse from and forgive our sin. Rom. 3:25 This is a manifestation and the extenuation of the great love of God toward all of humanity. He gave the best of heaven, His greatly beloved Son, that Jesus might become our propitiation our mercy seat. 1 John 4:10 It is utterly impossible for a greater sacrifice or more expensive price to be paid for anything on this earth or in this world. We will marvel throughout eternity at the enormity of the sacrifice made, not only by the Lord Jesus but by the entire Godhead. 1 John 2:2 It was a major operation the pathos of which there is no experience on earth with which we may use for comparison. “The Passion” can only show the human side and create human emotions. Can you explain the depths of the emotions of the Godhead? The Father who cannot tolerate sin had to turn His back on a crucified Christ, which caused Him to cry, Why have you forsaken me. Mark 15:34 Only at Calvary has there ever been such a separation. BLOOD ATONEMENT 20 THE BLOOD OF THE EVERLASTING COVENANT. A covenant brought into existence in time which will last for all of eternity. The covenant established by the shedding of the blood of the Lord Jesus. Sealed and verified by that precious sacrifice. A covenant made for the salvation of mankind by the very God of peace. Real, lasting peace is only available from the God of peace. Heb. 13:20 THERE IS NO PEACE TO THE WICKED. Isa. 49:22 World wide, peace has been removed from the earth. The opening of the second seal of the Revelation has assured us that the rest of our lives here on earth will be under its impact. The rider of the red horse was enabled with great power to remove peace form the earth. This is a condition which will prevail until the end of the tribulation period and the battle of Armageddon. Rev. 16:16 The rider of this horse will see to it that men will kill one another and his weapon is that of a GREAT sword. Not too dissimilar from the latest headline in the newspaper, or the radio or TV report. Killings of strangers and family members is rampant. Wars, insurrections and rebellions prevail every where. The blood of humanity stains the soil of the earth daily and in great volume. We live in an age of violent death and it will not only continue, but increase as we come closer to he end. The only source of peace and tranquillity is to be found in that blessed New Covenant that has been signed and sealed in the blood of Christ, the righteous one. Heb. 13:20 HE IS THE LORD OF PEACE. The very fountain head of peace is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. The sum and substance, the very essence of peace is found in Him. Through His blood He has purchased peace for us, for now, in this life, and certainly in the life to come. 2 Thes. 3:16 While He is the God of Peace at one and the same time He is in the throes of a mighty conflict. The end of which we know will be a victory for Him. As the God of peace, HE will crush Satan. He is crushed under our feet not because we did it but because it is an act of the Lord. Rom. 16:20 It must be emphasized that it is the Lord Jesus who deals with and will be victorious over Satan. Satan will be cast out of heaven, down to the earth, with all the fallen angels, at the beginning of the great tribulation. Rev. 12:9 It is one tremendous WOE for the earth with this source of all ungodliness and wickedness leashed on them. The empire of all filth and iniquity is established on the earth at that time. If you think things are bad now, just wait. The only victory to be had will be that of the blood washed and redeemed saints. Satan will attack the Bride in a mighty and most vicious manner but because they are the redeemed he is unable to overcome them. Rev. 12:13, 15-16. That there will be saints who do not escape the tribulation is apparent, for the devil will turn on them with the full fury of his anger and make war with them. Rev. 12:17 BLOOD ATONEMENT 21 THE DAILY SACRIFICE OF A LAMB, MORNING AND EVENING. It was to be a burnt sacrifice, a sacrifice made by fire. It was not the only sacrifice made, yet it is most significant as we recognize that it was a type of the Lamb which was to come, Gods Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. Ex. 29:38-39 The importance of this sacrifice is seen in its effects on the spiritual life of the Israelites. It was offered at the door. Christ proclaimed himself to be the door of the sheepfold. John 10:7 He is the only door. The Lord said that He would cause Israel to, ”pass under the rod” in order to bring them into the precepts of His covenant with them. Eze. 20:37 Entering into the sheepfold they passed under the rod into the protection and safety of the corral and watchful eye of the shepherd. The shepherd then slept in the opening of the sheepfold as a first line of defense for the sheep. THE DOOR WAS TO BE THEIR MEETING PLACE. The Lord promised that He would meet them at the door. Furthermore, He would communicate with them at the door of the tabernacle. It was an area accessible to all of the people. They were to hear His voice. Jesus said My sheep hear My voice and another they will not follow. With one fold, because they hear only the voice of the one shepherd. John 10:16 The Lord promised that He would sanctify the tabernacle and the priesthood, by His glory. where there is purity and holiness there will be the manifestation of the glory of the Lord. Ex. 29:42-44 Moreover, He promised to dwell in the midst of His people. That would assure them of His constant presence and protection. He would be their God and they would know and comprehend the mighty works that He had performed on their behalf. Ex. 29:45-46 THE REVELATION LAMB IS A SLAIN LAMB. Our introduction to the Lamb in the book of Revelation is that of a Lamb which has obviously been slain. There must be the evidence of blood as a reminder of the transaction of Calvary. By His OWN blood He ENTERED IN ONCE into the holy place, that is heaven itself. Heb. 9:12 The very center of heaven is the throne of the Lord. All of heaven surrounds this seat of power and absolute authority. The slain Lamb is the very heart, the middle of that throne, of the four living ones and of the ruling elders. He is in the midst of all that is heavenly. He is what constitutes heaven. The exact center with all attention focused on Him. It is stated that He is standing. Standing in victory, power and great glory, He has not been defeated but is gloriously triumphant. The seven horns [complete power and authority], the seven eyes [all seeing, omnipresent], and the seven Spirits [the all inclusive Holy Spirit] simply show the ultimate, the consummate, fullness of the anointing which is His. Seven Spirits would better be translated sevenfold. There is but one Holy Spirit. There are seven aspects to His nature and being. The sevenfold Spirit is given to us in the prophecy of Isaiah as enumerated in Isa. 11:2 BLOOD ATONEMENT 22 THE BLOOD OF DELIVERANCE. The blood of the Passover lamb wrought a full and complete work of deliverance for them. They were delivered from death, for the death angel passed over at the midnight hour. His power over life and death was made evident in every dwelling and barn where the blood had not been sprinkled on the door posts and the lintel. In that place the firstborn of every living creature died. Ex. 12:12 To the death angel, the blood stood out as a banner indicating a safe house and he passed by. Those within the house of the blood sprinkled door were not only delivered from death, they were delivered from the bondage of Egypt [A type of the world]. They were also instantly healed from every affliction imaginable. This is a witness and testimony to the fact that healing is in the atonement. “There was not a feeble one among them.” Ps. 105:37 There were not any borne on litters, or wagons. No crutches were being used. There were no weak ones in that group that left Egypt. Even the seniors were rejuvenated and went forth leaping like a calf loosed from its stall. There was a mass healing service conducted as they ate the flesh of the lamb and took shelter in the covenant of the Lord. Healing is in the atonement. Healing is in the communion. THE VERY NATURE OF BLOOD DEMONSTRATES HEALING. In the composition of our blood is to be found the element of healing. The WHITE CELLS are the interior army of the body. They are living cells ready to attack any germ or disease that makes its way into the body. Some of our white cells will produce protective antibodies defeating the sickness. Other will directly attack the bacteria, surround it and overwhelm it. This gives us scientific evidence that healing is in the blood or atonement. THE SCRIPTURE VERIFIES THAT HEALING IS IN THE ATONEMENT. Excellent evidence is given to us by the prophet Isaiah. In speaking of the sufferings of Jesus he made it plain that Jesus was to be wounded for our transgressions, most assuredly the wounds of the Lord Jesus bled. He was bruised, generally a bruise is the sign of bleeding under the skin because of a hard blow. Then, such a strong statement, “by His stripes we are healed." The whipping of the back mangled the skin and flesh together producing a good flow of blood. Healing is in the blood that flowed from the stripes of the Lord Jesus. Isa. 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24 Jeremiah in his prayer unto the Lord associates healing with salvation and makes them to be one as an act of the Lord. Jer. 17:14 David also identifies the two as one divine work of the Lord, while at the same time making the work to be all inclusive. Every and all sin and sickness. Ps. 103:3 Jesus, tied the two together at the healing of the man with palsy when He said, “Which is easier, thy sins be forgiven thee or take up thy bed and walk.” Mark 2:4-9 The ministry of the Lord Jesus was to the whole man, body, soul and spirit. That ministry continues today. Jesus saves and heals, even now. BLOOD ATONEMENT 23 THE BLOOD OF DELIVERANCE. The blood of the Passover lamb wrought a full and complete work of deliverance for them. They were delivered from death, for the death angel passed over at the midnight hour. His power over life and death was made evident in every dwelling and barn where the blood had not been sprinkled on the door posts and the lintel. In that place the firstborn of every living creature died. Ex. 12:12 To the death angel, the blood stood out as a banner indicating a safe house and he passed by. Those within the house of the blood sprinkled door were not only delivered from death, they were delivered from the bondage of Egypt [A type of the world]. They were also instantly healed from every affliction imaginable. This is a witness and testimony to the fact that healing is in the atonement. “There was not a feeble one among them.” Ps. 105:37 There were not any borne on litters, or wagons. No crutches were being used. There were no weak ones in that group that left Egypt. Even the seniors were rejuvenated and went forth leaping like a calf loosed from its stall. There was a mass healing service conducted as they ate the flesh of the lamb and took shelter in the covenant of the Lord. Healing is in the atonement. Healing is in the communion. THE VERY NATURE OF BLOOD DEMONSTRATES HEALING. In the composition of our blood is to be found the element of healing. The WHITE CELLS are the interior army of the body. They are living cells ready to attack any germ or disease that makes its way into the body. Some of our white cells will produce protective antibodies defeating the sickness. Other will directly attack the bacteria, surround it and overwhelm it. This gives us scientific evidence that healing is in the blood or atonement. THE SCRIPTURE VERIFIES THAT HEALING IS IN THE ATONEMENT. Excellent evidence is given to us by the prophet Isaiah. In speaking of the sufferings of Jesus he made it plain that Jesus was to be wounded for our transgressions, most assuredly the wounds of the Lord Jesus bled. He was bruised, generally a bruise is the sign of bleeding under the skin because of a hard blow. Then, such a strong statement, “by His stripes we are healed." The whipping of the back mangled the skin and flesh together producing a good flow of blood. Healing is in the blood that flowed from the stripes of the Lord Jesus. Isa. 53:5 1 Peter 2:24 Jeremiah in his prayer unto the Lord associates healing with salvation and makes them to be one as an act of the Lord. Jer. 17:14 David also identifies the two as one divine work of the Lord, while at the same time making the work to be all inclusive. Every and all sin and sickness. Ps. 103:3 Jesus, tied the two together at the healing of the man with palsy when He said, “Which is easier, thy sins be forgiven thee or take up thy bed and walk.” Mark 2:4-9 The ministry of the Lord Jesus was to the whole man, body, soul and spirit. That ministry continues today. Jesus saves and heals, even now. BLOOD ATONEMENT 24 CHRIST OUR PASSOVER. These words of the Apostle Paul bring into view the important connection between symbol and fulfillment of the same. The symbol is the Passover in Egypt while the satisfaction of the will and purpose of the Lord is in Christ, who is the true Passover Lamb. “Christ OUR Passover is sacrificed for us.” 1 Cor. 5:7 The Lord Jesus met, and exceeded all the requirements for the perfect Passover Lamb. Never was there a lamb presented before the Lord as a sacrifice that met the perfection's of THIS LAMB. At the beginning of His ministry, John the Baptist proclaimed Him to be the Lamb of God. John 1:29. Then again, the next day in John 1:36, thus giving a dual witness and testimony of Jesus as the true Lamb. Until the time of the conclusion of His work and the passing of judgment on him, Jesus was certified to be innocent by both Pilate and Herod. Luke 23:14-15 As the Passover Lamb, He died for the sin of every man. He was buried as prophesied, with the rich. Wondrously and gloriously He was raised from the dead at the conclusion of three full days and nights. 1 Cor. 15:3-4 THE ETERNAL EXALTATION AND WORTHINESS OF THE LAMB. The vast multitudes of the everlasting courts of heaven gather together and in unison and with strong voices proclaim His worth. The worship and praise which they heap upon Him is sevenfold. Above all, as the slain Lamb He is fully worthy of all adulation that could possibly be bestowed upon Him. Rev. 5:12 They proclaim His POWER. A force that exceeds all the powers which have been evidenced in this earth, over all the time of the history of mankind. His power is absolute and is manifest on earth as well as in heaven. Mat. 28:18 There is no comparison which may be drawn to illustrate the magnitude of His power. RICHES, so eagerly and some time lustfully sought after in this life, until some have lost their value of things Spiritual. The riches of this world will soon come to naught. We leave it just like we came into it, naked and possessing nothing. Ecc. 5:15 What is a man profited if he could possess the whole world, in the end he will leave it all. He has labored for the wind, one breath and it is gone. Ecc. 5:16 There are RICHES which are eternal. Place your trust and values in the treasure house of the Lord. Such riches are beyond the reach of thieves. Mat. 6:20 WISDOM. Who can exploit the depths of the WISDOM of the Lord? Rest assured that in His kingdom there will be a constant revelation of His great and fathomless WISDOM. However much of it we may be able to assimilate, there will still be a vast reservoir of His WISDOM to which we will constantly be exposed. Not only is He the very manifestation of WISDOM, but His nature and person are WISDOM. He is the embodiment of WISDOM. He is the source of all WISDOM. WISDOM and knowledge are hidden in Him as the treasures of the Lord. Col. 2:3 There is absolutely nothing in this world and all of its riches that can even begin to compare with Him. He is proclaimed to be the only WISE God. Jude 25 Unique in character and existence He is WISDOM personified. BLOOD ATONEMENT 25 continued. HEAVENS HOSTS PROCLAIM THE LAMB. This time His STRENGTH. We would not look for, nor expect that He would be an outstanding physical specimen of strength. His form, His appearance was very common. His attractiveness was not to be after beauty or form. Isa. 53:2 Once again an element of which He is the source and the originator. In every portion of His personality, STRENGTH is His. It is made note worthy in His moral and spiritual qualities. His display of STRENGTH was absolute, down to the last enemy, death and the grave. In His conflict with death He not only conquered it but went beyond that and abolished death. 2 Tim. 1:10 His display of forcefulness was in the fulfillment of His Father's will where His abilities and might were displayed in His obedience. THE GREATEST OF HONOR IS HIS. In the bestowal of HONOR upon Him the exceedingly high esteem in which He is held is displayed by the redeemed hosts of heaven. He is extremely worthy of the greatest HONOR that could ever be conferred on any human being. There is none like Him, having borne the sin and iniquity of the world yet keeping His integrity through it all. As the slain Lamb, as the triumphant Son of God, He is highly HONORED and exalted to be the very center piece of heaven. Rev. 5:6 ALL THE GLORY BELONGS TO JESUS. The everlasting GLORY of the Lord Jesus is beautifully displayed in its visible form on the Mount of Transfiguration. So mighty was the display of its power that the body and the clothing of the Lord Jesus was completely altered. In the manifest GLORY the face of the Lord Jesus shone forth as the sun. What a glorious brightness to His GLORY. Mt. 17:2 His clothing was pure white and glistened, scintillated, shined even as the person of the Lord Jesus. Mt. 17:2 What a glorious light to behold. He was donned with the “brightness of His glory.” Heb. 1:3 The full GLORY of the Godhead was made manifest and will continue to dwell in Him. This is one of the extreme sacrifices that Jesus made in coming into this world, laying aside the glory of the Father. Obviously, He greatly missed that GLORY and looked forward to the moment when He would be once again clothed with His former GLORY. John 17:5 At the time of His coming in the clouds He will come with “great power and great glory.” Mt. 24:30 Also when He appears in great GLORY He will sit “upon the throne of His GLORY.” Mt. 25:31 It is at this time that He will demonstrate the great difference between the sheep and the goats. The sheep will be gathered unto Him, while the goats will be sent away into “everlasting punishment.” Mt. 25. Jesus stated that the GLORY which had been a gift from the Father to His Son would also be made known in the life and experience of all those who would come to a knowledge of Himself as their savior. Moreover, all those who would receive that GLORY would be in the perfect unity like that of the Godhead. John 17:22 BLOOD ATONEMENT 26 [continued.] JESUS IS THE MOST WORTHY FOR ALL BLESSING. There is no one who is more deserving of the acclamation and praise of all the redeemed and every occupant of heaven than the Lord Jesus. Rev. 5:11-12 However, the giving of the most extensive eulogy will be that which involves the whole of humanity. Every individual who has experienced life on this planet. Those in heaven, on earth and under the earth [the grave], will all simultaneously break out in anthems of recognition and adulation to the King on His throne and to the Lamb. The attitude of the saved will be that of gratefulness and thanksgiving for all of His mighty works in their lives. For the unsaved it will be an acknowledgment of all that He is and of all His mighty works. Rev. 5:13 Every angelic being and all those to whom He has given power and authority to reign will prostrate themselves before Him and ascribe all worship and praise to Him and to Him alone. Rev. 7:13 Bless Him now with your whole heart, soul and spirit for He is most worthy. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LAMB CANNOT BE OVER EMPHASIZED. The sacrifice of a lamb was that of a daily offering, morning and evening. Ex. 29:39 The feasts were all marked by the offering of lambs. The sanctifying of Aaron to the office of the high priest, a lamb was used among other sacrifices. Lev. 9:3 At the time of the consecration of their king, Solomon, there was a sacrifice of a large number of lambs. 1 Chr. 29:21 The list of events at which time a lamb or lambs was sacrificed is long and varied. Certainly one which we would not like to overlook is that which was made for the cleansing of the leper. Leprosy being a type of sin, we have a strong interest in this sacrifice for it is the sacrifice of the Lamb of God that cleanses us from our sin. Lev. 14:12 Note also the use of oil in this offering. An evidence of the working of the Spirit in the salvation of the forgiven sinner. The application of the blood and oil is most significant. They were applied to the ear. Those who are redeemed must have sanctified and anointed ears to hear and receive the Word of the Lord. The fact that the oil was sprinkled seven times before the Lord shows us that we are to expect an outpouring of the Spirit in the end of the age that far exceeds any in the past. The number seven is prophetically an end time number. Then there was an application made to the thumb of the right hand, signifying anointed works of righteousness. The third application was to the great toe of the right foot, signifying the walk of one who has been cleansed from sin and anointed with the Spirit of the Lord. Lev. 14:14-18 Last but not least the remnant of the oil was to be poured out upon the head of the one seeking cleansing and forgiveness. The thought life likewise must come under the jurisdiction of the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Lamb to the sinners of this world is that of the total forgiveness of sin and the empowering of the Holy Spirit to continue to live that new life that is found in the Lord Jesus. Ye shall receive power. Acts 1:8 BLOOD ATONEMENT 27 JEHOVAH JIREH. God will provide Himself a Lamb. Gen. 22:8 Abraham demonstrated absolute faith and full confidence in the Lord in the offering of Isaac unto the Lord. This prophetic utterance was gloriously completed in the true Lamb of God. All others were but figures and examples. What a magnificent display of complete trust in the Lord is to be found in the account of Abraham offering Isaac. Faith is to be tested and most assuredly Abraham was tested. The Lord requested the very thing which was the pride and joy of the heart of Abraham. That which he loved more than anything else, his only son. A perfect example of the Father God and the gift of His Son. Each of us will be tested as to our love for the Lord or our love for our possessions, even to family members. When offered and then returned they no longer have first place in our lives but we learn to properly evaluate and appreciate them. GO TO THE MOUNT. Mt. Moriah; meaning, Jehovah provides. The mountain, the choice of the Lord was to be shown or revealed to Abraham. Gen. 22:2-3 Abraham prepared to do the will of the Lord, without hesitation, by arising the next morning, splitting the wood, [A prepared tree, consider Gal. 3:13, the Lord prepared a tree for His Son], Saddling his donkey, and taking two young men with him. They seemed to supply nothing but to serve as “two witnesses.” On the third day, they saw the mountain. All during that journey Isaac was as good as dead in the mind and purpose of Abraham. Abraham believed to see a resurrected Isaac. The Lord had made many promises to Abraham concerning Isaac and Abraham fully believed them, to the extent that if he offered his son Isaac, the Lord had to bring him back to life in order to accomplish all His promises. Just think of the tremendous faith of his man Abraham when he said to the two lads with them that, “I and the lad will go yonder and worship and come again to you.” Gen. 22:6 Unequivocally, with firm faith he anticipated their return together. He did not anticipate a funeral on the mount. The wood, he laid on the shoulder of Isaac. Even as Christ bore the cross for us. The fire he took in his own hand. The Father laid on Him, Jesus the burning punishment for our sins and iniquities. Isa. 53:6 He likewise carried the instrument of death, the knife. They went together, as one unit, one in mind and intent. With the issue of “The Passion” the physical sufferings of Christ have been well publicized, but the transactions at His crucifixion go far beyond the sufferings of the body. The mental anguish, the heart rending pain of the separation between the Father and the Son no man will ever be able to fully comprehend. The cry of Jesus, “My God, My God why have you forsaken me,” gives us an inkling of the Spiritual agony and suffering of that hour, in the emotions of the Godhead. An event, a disunion which had never occurred before nor will it ever be again. The price paid for the salvation of mankind is far beyond our ability to understand. Only when we understand the perfect union that exists in the Godhead can we even begin to imagine the supreme price both the Father and His Lamb paid for us. BLOOD ATONEMENT 28 TOTAL OBEDIENCE. So greatly did Abraham trust the Lord that he went so far as to bind Isaac. Then placing him on the wood of sacrifice. Holding the knife in his hand he fully intending to be obedient and slay his son as a sacrifice to the Lord. The Lord intervened by calling to him out of heaven and staying his determination to accomplish the request of the Lord. His test was complete, Abraham had passed with flying colors. In spite of the sincerity of the request of the Lord, there was no way that He would condone such a sacrifice. It is here that the divine provision of the Lord is made manifest. The Lord had caused a ram to be caught by its horns and Abraham was able to substitute the ram for his son. In the case of the Lord it was just the opposite. The Son [Jesus] took the place of the animal of sacrifice. Therefore Abraham called the place Jehovah Jireh for the Lord, true to His Word made provision. Hence the statement, “In the mountain of the Lord is shall be seen.” Gen. 22:9-13 The actions of Abraham with his son Isaac are a beautiful type of the God of salvation and of His Son, the Lord Jesus. All this took place on Mount Moriah. MOUNT MORIAH. Its importance in the plan of the Lord is made apparent by the Lord sending Abraham to that area. It is rightfully called,“The Mount of the Lord.” David had sinned by counting the population of Israel when the Lord had forbidden them from numbering the people. Consequently, even though David repented , there were consequences to be faced. Judgment was pronounced of Israel. In the midst of all this the city of Jerusalem was spared. 2 Sam. 24:9-16 David saw the Angel of the Lord near the threshing floor of Araunah. Whose name meant, to be strong. He was no doubt a man of courage and strength. He dwelt in Jebus which was an ancient name for Jerusalem. He will also be known as Ornan, a name with the same meaning. Once again David is filled with contrition, requesting that the punishment be against him and his fathers house. David was instructed of the prophet Gad to proceed to the threshing floor of Aruanah and build an altar there unto the Lord. 2 Sam. 24:18 Ornan/Araunah also saw the angel of the Lord and feared. He was with his four sons at the threshing floor. Five is the number of Atonement. This piece of real-estate is about to become a place of redemption by blood sacrifice. 1 Chron. 21:20 They were threshing wheat which would have placed this incident at the time of Feast of Pentecost, for wheat was the grain harvested at Pentecost. The power of the Pentecostal blessing is yet to be displayed in its fullness in this end of the age. The consummation has not yet arrived. There is yet a mighty ingathering, a great harvest to be accomplished. Ornan was a man who feared the Lord. He could very well have been a proselyte, following and fearing the Lord. He was also a man in subjection to leadership. For when Araunah saw David, the king, he went forward to meet him and paid obeisance to him by bowing himself to the ground. He was most definitely a humble man. 1 Chron. 21:21 BLOOD ATONEMENT 29 A GIFT OFFERED, A PRICE PAID. Araunah offered to give all that was necessary to David. He was of unusual character and generosity. Araunah was a man of some means and authority for he is identified as a king. Willing to sacrifice all for the Lord, and that the plague might be stopped, and the people delivered. His concern for the people of the land is seen in his statement to David, “The LORD thy God accept thee.” He understood that only the LORD could remove the plague and in that manner acknowledged the power of the LORD. 2 Sam. 24:22-23 A PROPER OFFERING. We have here a glimpse into the heart of a man who loved the Lord, and served Him with integrity, and after a right manner. David would not offer to the Lord that which had cost him nothing. 2 Sam. 2:23 In other words an offering should be that which is of great value to us. Offering with the whole heart that which is not only an offering but literally a sacrifice. Not bringing to the Lord that which is no longer of use to us but our prized possession. As an example, the gift of a son to the Lord by a childless woman. Hannah and Samuel. 1 Sam. 1:1-20 THE PRICE OF THE LAND. Have faulted the scriptures because there are two prices given. In land deals it is not unusual to give a down payment. It could well have been the reason for the price of the land given as fifty shekels of silver. The thought is also presented that the fifty shekels covered the cost of the threshing floor, the yoke and the oxen. The activity of Araunah, that of threshing and winnowing the wheat, is symbolic of a last day revival when the church will be separated unto the Lord. The chaff will be isolated from the wheat. The Lord will have a harvest of purity and a church of perfection. Silver is the metal of redemption while fifty is the number of the Feast Pentecost. Both of which are precious experiences that we partake of in the Lord. However, what is obvious is that the full price of the land, the threshing floor and the whole mountain was six hundred shekels of gold. 1 Chr. 21:25 [Gold was worth twelve times as much as silver] Kiel. Six hundred shekels is twelve times fifty. We have then a double twelve of twenty-four and that is the number of heavenly authority. Rev. 4:4 The Divine mysteries of the Bible are numerous and sometimes cleverly hidden. It was here, on Mount Moriah that David constructed an altar unto the Lord. The oxen he had purchased became a slain and burnt offering unto the Lord. The yoke of bondage was removed and burned. Also the harness whereby they were bound to the instrument of threshing was destroyed. There was and is absolute liberty on the mountain of the Lord. When David prepared and offered his sacrifice he called on the name of the LORD, Jehovah. He knew who his God was and was familiar with His name. This was one of those blessed incidents where the God of fire answered by fire, for fire descended from heaven and consumed the sacrifice. The LORD placed His approval on the actions of David. 1 Chr. 21:25 BLOOD ATONEMENT 30 DAVID CONTINUED TO SACRIFICE ON MORIAH. He took note that the Lord had accepted his sacrifice and had blessed the area by answering by fire, therefore he continued to offer his sacrifices on Mount Moriah. 1 Chr. 21:28 The Tabernacle was in Gibeon [Hill city], but because of the fear of the sword of the Lord, David dare not go there to make his sacrifices. 1 Chr. 21:29-30 David then proclaimed the threshing flood of Aruanah to be the house and altar of the LORD God. The emphases was no longer to be on the Tabernacle in Gibeon but was now being transferred to the site of the future Temple and Mount Moriah. David and others laid a foundation of blood sacrifices on the area that was to be the Temple of the Lord. More important than the building, were the sacrifices of blood and burnt offerings. 1 Chr. 22:1 The Lord privileged David to gather the materials for the Temple but it was the part of his son, Solomon, to actually build the house of the Lord on Moriah. 2 Chr. 6:10 BLOOD COVENANT AND FIRE. The Lord at various times made known His presence and acceptance of the sacrifice offered by a manifestation of fire. The two are indelibly associated by the scriptures. That should convey to all who would follow the Lord that He adds His fire to the atonement wrought in His people. When Abram made sacrifice the Lord saw fit to pass between his offering as a “smoking furnace and a burning lamp.” The furnace to consume the lamp to give the light of the Lord. Gen. 15:17 The defending and guiding presence of the Lord was made known to the children of Israel in the cloud and pillar fire which they experienced in their journey through the wilderness. Ex. 13:21 When the Lord met with Moses on Mount Sinai and gave him the Law and the order of offerings and sacrifices He again revealed Himself in might and extreme power. Ex. 19:18 The offering of Elijah, when in contest with the prophets of Baal was consumed by the fire of the Lord. The LORD proved Himself to be the God who answers by fire. 1 Kings 18:38 The eternal fire. It was to be maintained constantly and never to be extinguished. Lev. 6:12-13 The fire of the altar of burnt offering was kindled by the glorious fiery presence of the Lord. That fire was not man made but ignited by the Lord Himself. Lev. 9:24 At the dedication of the Temple the Lord once again showed His approval and sanction of the place of worship by manifesting Himself in that fiery presence. 2 Chr. 7:1 Nadab and Abihu, though sons of Aaron and priests consecrated to the office, on burning incense with strange fire were themselves consumed by the fire of the Lord. Lev. 10:1-2 The consummation of the flesh [the carnal man] is a must before the Lord. The blood is offered to accomplish forgiveness and pardon from all iniquity. The fire of the Holy Spirit must accompany the cleansing by blood and sanctify the total man. Body, soul and spirit. Total separation from the lust of the flesh can only be accomplished by the might and fire of the Spirit. It is the Lords purpose that all be filled with the Spirit. Mt. 3:11 BLOOD ATONEMENT 31 THE EAGLE ATTRACTED TO THE CARCASS. In the midst of His teaching on His second coming, Jesus made reference to the need of the bird of carrion for the body of the dead. Mt. 24:28 The life of the eagle depends upon the death of another creature. Their very life and sustenance depends upon their ability to find a carcass of some kind. Jesus was speaking of His own physical body and His coming death on the cross. While there is nothing beautiful nor appealing to the esthetic nature of man in the Christ on the cross, the death of His body is most vital to those who are His. He associates this need of the eagles gathering around the carcass with the last days which preclude His coming. It make us realize more the importance to the church and of their dependence on the Communion of the body and blood of Christ. We must go beyond the ritual and come to the full revelation of the true meaning of participating in the communion. As the bird of prey is totally dependent on its discovery of a carcass of some nature, so, the Bride of Christ must be completely dependent on the body and blood of the Christ of God. Though He died, He is life giving, through the sacrifice of Himself and the power of His resurrection. Incidentally, the Greek word carcass used here refers to the body of an animal. The word corpse or dead body would be used if it was speaking of a person. (ISBE) As at the Passover, we participate of the Lamb. In this case, the Lamb of God. EAGLE OR VULTURE? Some Commentaries would make the word eagle to be a vulture. The word in the Greek is aetos, or eagle. While both birds feed on carrion it is difficult to place them both in the same category. We think of the eagle as a majestic bird. The vulture could hardly be compared to the beauty of the eagle. The eagle in the scriptures is symbolic of the people of the Lord. The Lord in delivering Israel from Egypt said that He carried them “on eagles wings.” Ex. 19:4 The sharp beak and talons of the eagle are used both to catch prey and to tear and rend its flesh in the process of consuming it. The rapacious eating habit of the eagle is mentioned in Job. 39:27-30 It revels in the body and blood of the creature which has become its meal. Jesus said, “THIS IS MY BODY, THIS IS MY BLOOD.” Mt. 26:26-28 These are certainly words that are easy to understand. He identified Himself with the food used in the Passover feast. Jesus never use spurious words. He always meant exactly what He said. The participants of the Communion should participate with the nature and attitude of the eagle, with spiritual emotions high, and rejoicing in His death, burial and resurrection. We cannot help but revel in the fact of our purchase and gift of eternal life made possible by His death. There is even a measure of violence that should accompany our eating and drinking of His sacrifice. All that He intended to impart to His church through the body and blood of the Lord is ours. Sometime we have to reach out and literally take it by force. Not quiescently but like the eagle, with force and great effort. Mt. 11:12 BLOOD ATONEMENT 32 THE CHURCH, THE BODY RECOGNIZED AS ONE. The membership of the spiritual body of Christ consists of a multitude of individuals, who are physically, mentally, socially dissimilar in a great variety of ways. In life, no two individuals are alike, not even, so called, identical twins. 1 Cor. 12:12 However, when the scriptures speak of “the church, the body” they are presenting a body which is in perfect unity, a spiritual body. Rom. 12:5 There is no variance, nor discord in even the slightest measure to be found in that assemblage. They, “being many are one bread.” All differences disappear, yet the individuality of the person is not discarded. Among the many spiritual experiences that bring them to this precious unity, is the baptism of the Spirit and the subsequent working of the Spirit in our lives. 1 Cor. 12:13-14 The communion of the blood and the broken body of the Lord Jesus Christ, is also an imperative for the unifying of the body of Christ. 1 Cor. 10:16 The drastic changes that must take place for the Lord to accomplish His purpose, in His church, seem insurmountable and they are as far as the natural man is concerned. In our age, the Lord will have exactly the type of church which He has depicted in His Word. She will be perfect. Eph. 5:27 Mark that down in your little black book! Be a part of it or stand on the outside and watch it develop. THE DEPTHS OF COMMUNION MADE KNOWN TO PAUL. The Lord took special care to make known to Paul His objective in the communion, the body and blood of the Lord. Since Paul was not at the last supper it had to be revealed to him. So fully did he understand and appreciate that which was made known to him that he became the Apostle of the communion by teaching its true meaning to the church. 1 Cor. 11:23 That there were misconceptions in the church at Corinth is very evident. Paul sought to correct them by pointing out the things which needed correction. There were divisions among them, heresies had also been brought in. Where one would eat and others remain hungry, some even were drunken seems to be a hang over from the former Passover. We may be certain that their feasting together was carnal and not spiritual and desperately needed to change. 1 Cor. 11:21 THIS IS. These are strong words which must be taken at face value. The words used by the Lord Jesus are now reiterated by Paul, in this manner giving us the second witness that the bread which Jesus held in His hand was to become to us His body in celebrating the communion. Not transubstantiation, for the elements used in making the bread remain the same. Faith is a key to partaking of the body and blood of the Lord Jesus. Faith produces the evidence, the spiritual proof and the spiritual substance, the reality of the communion, enabling us to look beyond that which we hold in our hands to the broken body and the shed blood of the Lord Jesus. Heb. 11:1 BLOOD ATONEMENT 33 MY BODY, MY BLOOD. There can be no mistake as to the intent of the Lord Jesus as he held the Passover bread in His hand. The night of His betrayal they were already eating when Jesus took bread and blessed it. An action within and yet separate from the ceremony of the Passover. The fact that He pronounced a benediction on it sets it apart from the regular feast. As He held it in His hands He broke the bread and handed it to His disciples. Mt. 26:26 In breaking the bread His thoughts must have been on the hours before Him and the beating and suffering of His physical body. The only way that the bread could meaningfully be divided was for Him to break it. Knowing full well what was awaiting Him, He continued steadfastly toward Calvary. THE LIVING BREAD. In one of those “I AM” statements that He was to make in His life He proclaimed Himself to be the living bread. John 6:48 The bread of life. The ever living source of life. The eating of this bread brings a definite assurance of eternal life. This is true heavenly bread. Then He positively identified the bread by saying, “ the bread that I will give is my flesh which I will give for the life of the world.” This is a theme that pervades the whole teaching of the Word as to what the bread of communion is to be to us. John 6:51 There was an immediate reaction among the people who heard Him make such a statement. Their question being, “how can this man give us His flesh to eat.” They thoroughly understood His statement and their attitude would have been argumentative. They also would have found it to be repulsive. John 6:52 JESUS DID NOT WITHDRAW HIS STATEMENTS. Instead, He continued very strongly on insisting that not only were they to eat His flesh but to also drink His blood. Spiritual life, eternal life, is fully dependent on the flesh and blood of the Lord Jesus. Without it, one cannot possess everlasting life. John 6:53 Then Jesus proclaimed that participating of His flesh and blood assures one of a resurrection in the day of His return. John 6:54 The importance of our participation and correct attitude in the communion cannot be over emphasized. In the very next verse Jesus accentuated the unconcealed truth of His flesh being “real food” and His blood being “real drink.” John 6:55 NIV. When Jesus presented the subject so strongly and with such accentuation, its truth is something to which we need to pay particular attention. This is something which Jesus instituted in order to build the closest of relationships with His people. To be a part of Him has to be the desire of every true Christian. To walk in the light of His Word and to enjoy blessed fellowship with Him now is our right and privilege. He has left us with His instructions and the teachings of truth which guarantee us life everlasting, providing we rightly evaluate them and follow His will, in obeying them. We are deeply blessed to be able to have such precious communication with Him. Come let us walk in the light. BLOOD ATONEMENT 35 PRECIOUS RESULTS. Eating the body and the blood of the Lord Jesus will procure the blessed divine presence of the Christ of God in the one who participates in faith. While many do not seem to recognize it, the ultimate goal of the Christian life is to be precisely like Jesus. The body and the blood is given to us as a part of the spiritual process which will help us achieve that objective. It is an imperative that every true member of the body of Christ recognize the intent and purpose of the Lord and strive toward that end. Consider the words of the Lord Jesus and meditate on their true meaning. Jesus said, “He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, DWELLETH IN ME, AND I IN HIM.” John 6:56 DWELLING WITHIN THE BODY OF CHRIST. The Lord has chosen His people to be His manifest dwelling place. There are not sufficient words in any language to fully make known the extreme privilege and honor that is extended to His people to become the habitation of the Almighty. His intent is to indwell, completely, the spirit nature of those who are His. Not only does He promise that He is near us and with us but the Lord proclaimed that He is IN US. The Word is close to us, the Word is in our mouths, the Word is in our hearts. The Word that is activated by our faith, and complete confidence in His abilities to perform all of His promises to us. Rom. 10:8 The individual who is truly in love with the Lord should have confident expectation that the promises of the Lord Jesus will be fulfilled in them. Jesus said, that the Father and He would come and “make our abode” with that person. A true and earnest love for the Lord is one of the requirements to obtain His abiding presence. Every spiritual blessing and operation is dependent on our love for Him. John 14:23 THE UNITY OF THE BODY IS LIKEWISE VITAL. Without coordination the natural body cannot, properly nor fully function. Without harmony the body of Christ can never reach its destiny. Considering such a thought, it seems impossible that the church of today could ever fulfill its high calling in Christ, and that is to be one. With the Lord all things are possible. He will call a church out of the church. All may hear the voice of His calling but not all will respond. They are so deeply involved in their own program that they have no time for His. The prayer of the Lord Jesus will be completely consummated. The same unity that exists in the Godhead will be displayed in His body, His church. John 17:21 A blending together in perfect harmony. Entirely motivated by the Holy Spirit. Directed by the authority of the Word. Perfectly joined together with the head of the church, the Lord Jesus. Having the mind of Christ, therefore perfectly fulfilling His will and desires. Living a consistent Christian life that is equal to His life. A people with Spiritual atmosphere of heaven surrounding them. The church of His perfecting destined to be revealed in the end of the age. She will be His bride, eternally. BLOOD ATONEMENT 36 AMAZING BREAD. Living bread, bread that is alive and imparts life. It is the bread of everlasting life. How could any ever be so foolish as to not participate in the eating of such a wonderful bread? Most definitely a bread which does not grow stale and cannot be corrupted. Bread which must be eaten to maintain life of every character, natural and most importantly spiritual. Its origin is from the very throne presence of the living Lord. No section of humanity is to be excluded from partaking of that life giving bread, all may come and receive their allotment of its life giving influence. It is the free gift of the Lord of heaven for the life of the world. It is imperative that all participate of that body and blood in order to acquire life eternal, especially those of the household of faith. John 6:51 EVIDENCES OF THE INFLUENCE OF THAT LIFE GIVING BREAD. The simplicity, the beginning of the whole process is as easy as your exit and reentry through the door of your home. Jesus is the door to salvation and everlasting life. John 10:9 The key to opening that door is in the possession of every individual. It is the elementary word “confess.” Confessing that Jesus is the Son of God. That He is that bread from heaven. Then the promise is that the Lord will dwell IN HIM and that person will dwell in the Lord. 1 John 4:15 Another evidence is obedience to the Word of the Lord which will result in the gift of the Spirit. The assurance of His presence in us is made certain by the precious anointing of the Holy Spirit. The work, the manifestation of the Spirit brings a certainty and a confidence that is beyond measure. 1 John 3:24 Then, is there any greater evidence than that of the attitude of a Christian toward their brother in Christ? It is inconceivable that if the Lord is resident in the lives of two individuals they would fail to demonstrate love toward one another. The Lord is LOVE, His sort of Love, Love that embraces ones enemies. A Love that is kind. A Love that is forgiving. It does not carry a grudge. If two persons follow the same Lord there cannot be any division or separation of any kind. He is in the process of perfecting His Love in us. There is no escaping the fact that if Christ dwells in us we must be like Him loving and caring with the measure that is found in Him. we cannot say that we love the Lord and have negative emotions toward a brother in Christ. 1 Jn. 4:12 Ye are the Temple. The Old Testament Temple was built of many stones, yet one Temple, unified and perfectly joined together. The New Testament Temple is built of a great variety of stones, still it is to be one. For its purpose is that it might be the dwelling place of the Lord. The Lord will dwell in a unified house. Dissenters, those causing divisions and schisms will not be a part of that which will be of one Spirit and one building. The Lord dwells in unity. He, Himself is a Triunity, in perfect accord. A beautiful example of that which is eternally bound together in absolute harmony. He will not dwell in a house of confusion, where there is bickering, backbiting and utter confusion. It is completely foreign to His nature and being. 2 Cor. 6:16 BLOOD ATONEMENT 37 IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME. There is much to recollect concerning the Lord Jesus, from His origins to His present situation. His works of benefit and blessing to suffering humanity. His Word of power and authority which becomes a guide for the life of every true Christian. His life on earth, a perfect shining example for all to follow. All this, and certainly there is much more that could be added. However, the bread and the wine, the body and blood of the Lord Jesus, speak to us specifically of His death, burial and resurrection. 1 Cor. 11:24-25 That which is the heart and soul of the salvation He prepared for the whole world. While the emphasis is on His death and its purpose we must not leave Him in death. He is not in death. He is not in the grave. He is alive! We celebrate not only His death and His burial but also His glorious resurrection and ascension to the throne of the Lord. Had He not risen from the grave there would be no intercessor and consequently no salvation. He lives as the great high priest to ever make intercession before His Father, for mankind. Heb. 7:15 We remember the terrific price He paid and His current position in heaven. WE REMEMBER HIS LIFE GIVING FORCE. The life of the flesh is in the blood. He gave His life that all who believe in Him might live eternally. With the giving of His life, He ransomed us from the captivity of sin. Mt. 20:28 Therefore we remember that we have been released from the prison house of iniquity. Knowing captivity and the joys of being released, why should we ever have any desire whatsoever to return to captivity? He is the instigator, the creator of life and light. that light is the natural light which is so vital for the continuance of all life on the earth. It is also the spiritual light which illuminates our hearts with the heavenly light, the light of life eternal. Both life and light are found in Jesus, for He is the light of men. John 1:4 His equality with His Father in the Godhead is demonstrated in the fact that as the Father is life and needs nothing else, nor anyone one else to live, so the Son also possesses the same faculty. The Lord and life are spiritual and physical synonyms. Life, as it is with the Lord is the essence of His personality and being. John 5:26 Peter proclaimed Him to be the Prince, the author, the captain the chief and leader of life. Living outside of faith in Christ is not life, it is death, dead in trespasses and sins. There is but one source of life and that is Jesus. Acts 3:15 We are to remember that through one act of righteousness by the most righteous of all mankind, the Lord Jesus, we are all privileged to participate in the justification which He purchased for us. We who were sinners are made to be right and just before Him, bringing His life into our life and blending the two together. Rom. 5:18 The master key to obtaining the fullness of the life that is in Christ is in recognizing that our desires must be laid aside and die that we might gain Christ. The life of the Spirit is made manifest in the bodies of those who have died to self. The life of the Spirit gives life to the natural man, those who will commit their way unto the Lord. The mortal body is activated by the Spirit of Christ. Rom. 8:10-11 In partaking of the communion we are making a commitment, a surrender to His will. BLOOD ATONEMENT 38 IN PARTNERSHIP. If the communion has true meaning to us and we are indeed one with Him, the frequency or infrequency of commemorating His death, burial and resurrection is of no consequence. That union, of itself, will maintain the desired relationship with Jesus. It is very apparent that the early church persistently participated in communion. The word “often” as Paul used it in 1 Cor. 11:26 indicates their action to have been as “many times.” Showing that it was an action that was common and periodic without establishing an order or ritual. Very definitely it was to be continued from generation to generation even until the coming of our Lord. Jesus set the example and the true believer today will follow that precious pattern. DIRE WARNING. It is not a meaningless ritual. It should not be taken as a light or frivolous thing. It is a very meaningful and a serious action which if taken “unworthily” may have stern consequences. That person will become guilty of the death of Christ. Their judgment is that of sinning against the blood of the Lord. 1 Cor. 11:27 NIV. With such a possibility of producing the wrong results one must be certain of their hearts attitude when coming to the table of the Lord. Then, Paul is not trying to be mean or judgmental but is emphasizing the sanctity of the body and the blood of Christ. Coming from a religious, ritualistic background, in his former religion he would well understand how easily the church could fall into disrespect and misuse the communion. A TIME OF SELF EXAMINATION. Paul was not teaching to refrain from the communion, but rather to prepare the heart and spirit to participate with a proper attitude of heart and mind. No one understands the spiritual condition of the individual heart like that particular person. The self examination should be conducted in complete honesty. Evaluating the heart in the light of the Word of the Lord. There is no other comparison which may be made. Only the Word can search out the hidden areas of the heart and reveal the innermost thoughts. Human nature is prone to being soft and easy on ourselves but very hard and sometimes even harsh when judging others. Judge your self with the same judgment that is used of others and the mission will be well accomplished. If we find that there are situations not compatible to the Word, they must by all means be corrected. Confession and true repentance work wonders in preparing the heart for a meeting with the Lord. Paul was not trying to get some to exclude themselves from partaking of the communion, but contrariwise he urged them to join in, once they had corrected the condition of their hearts. 1 Cor. 11:28 Some who had participated unworthily were weak and sickly, others had died. 1 Cor. 11:30 A word of caution here, this is not the case of all who are sick by any means, only with some. There are many causes and reasons for sickness. At times it is just plain neglect to live a healthy life style. Neither the spiritual or the natural man may be neglected and abused without paying the consequences. BLOOD ATONEMENT 39 DISCERNING HIS BODY. This is the key to properly participating in the communion. We must have the help of the Spirit in revealing the true depths of this precious moment. To rightly discern His Body, we must know Him. How can we comprehend what we are doing without first having a personal relationship with Him? The ideal approach is found in the words of Paul in his letter to the church at Philippi, “That I may know Him.” Here are the words of a man who knew Jesus well, as revealed in his writings. Yet, there is a strong desire to know Jesus even more. Make these words a part of your prayer and feel the tug of the Spirit and the deep longing of the inner man to draw ever so close to Jesus. The reward is presented as the POWER of His resurrection. Something for now, not in the future. There can be no resurrection without there first being the sufferings of Christ made real in us, resulting in death to the carnal man and the fullness of that new life in Christ. Phil. 3:10 It is vital that the church come to the completeness of the New Testament Christian life as presented to us in the Word. Without commitment to the Word we cannot achieve the high calling whereby we have been called. RITUAL OR REALITY? It is here that we must be able to distinguish the difference between a mere meal and the communion. While both are expedient to maintain life, there is a vast difference. As in the natural, without eating there is but death, so in the spiritual not recognizing that what is being served to us is the Body and the Blood of Christ will result in death. Only in the elements of the bread and the wine do we find a physical contact with the Lord which will lead us into a Spiritual status that is literally, “out of this world.” RECOGNIZING THE BODY. If we all partake of that one body - that is, His body - then we should be one body. Paul made it very evident that the ultimate of communion is unity. 1 Cor. 10:17 The blending together of the body of Christ, which is His church, is one of the last day achievements of the working of the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ. The body of Christ, the Bride, is not composed of the mixture that we have in the church world today. The Bride speaks of unblemished unity, where the relationship of perfection causes them to be one, in every sense of the word. Not an agreement to agree together, while still maintaining the old ways and ideas. The Bride will meet the guidelines of perfect harmony as seen in Eph. 4:5-6 To be joined to Christ requires that there be but one Spirit and that is the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 6:17 Christ is the head and the true body, the church, is “fitly joined together.” That does not mean a mass meeting of people with varied and some times argumentative attitudes and positions on almost everything. The church is in trouble when it does not agree with its Head, the Lord Jesus. He will have to take a church out of the church in order to find the total agreement and unity which He will have. Eph. 4:17 incomplete 07:35 28/08/2004