FEBRUARY 24
The Bible teaches that the life of man and beasts is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11,14). Because the penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23), and since life is in the blood, God established the principle that forgiveness of sin comes only through the shedding of blood: “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission” (from sin) (Hebrews 9:22).
As Israel prepared to depart Egypt for their destiny, a powerful event occurred and is recorded in Exodus chapter 12. The final plague on Egypt was the death of all first-born sons. To protect the Israelites from this judgment, God’s people were instructed to slay a lamb and put its blood on their doorposts. The Lord said, “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt” (Exodus 12:13). This blood was a token of the blood of Jesus Christ that would one day be shed for the sins of all mankind.
In the Old Testament, the blood of animals was offered as sacrifices for sin and these offerings had to be made repeatedly whenever a person sinned. But in the New Testament, God sent Jesus to shed His blood for sin once and for all. It is no longer necessary that the blood of animals be offered: “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Hebrews 9:12).
Just as Israel needed the blood applied before they left Egypt for their Promised Land, so you need the applied blood of Jesus Christ–not only to cover your sin, but to enable you to achieve your destiny. There is power in the blood because it…
-Was shed for the remission (forgiveness) of sins: Matthew 26:28
-Brought redemption from sin and sickness: Ephesians 1:7; 2:13; Isaiah 53:4
-Cleanses you from sin: 1 John 1:7
-Purges your conscience from sin: Hebrews 9:14
-Speaks for you–His blood cries out in your behalf: Hebrews 12:24
-Gives you access to God’s presence: Hebrews 10:19-22
-Sanctifies you: Hebrews 13:12-13
-Justifies you before God: Romans 3:24-25
-Is the cup of spiritual blessings: 1 Corinthians 10:16
-Is the power that enabled the resurrection of Jesus: Hebrews 13:20
-Brings life: John 6:53-57
-Enables you to overcome all the power of the enemy: Revelation 12:11
-Provides protection: The blood on the doors of the Israelites kept them safe: Exodus 12:21-23
-Enables you to do God’s will: Hebrews 13:20-21
If you are to reach your destiny, you must have the blood of Jesus Christ applied to your life and understand and claim the spiritual benefits of that precious blood.