The Blood Ransom

The Blood Purchase

Revelation 1:5 “And washed us from our sins in his own blood.”

His death was the ultimate act of love. He, Himself, stated clearly, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). And, here, in our text, John writes that he “washed us from our sins in His own blood.” Moderns have been repulsed from Christianity by its focus on the blood of a sinless sacrifice. They are made uneasy by a religion of blood. It seems not to matter to them that it was not blood taken, but rather, it was blood given. But, dear disciple, the truth is: the Justice of heaven demands blood payment for the sin debt. And, innocent blood is the only legal tender accepted at Justice’s tables of exchange (Genesis 2:17; 3:19; Romans 6: 23:5:12; James 1:15). The many ablutions of the Old Testament were associated with the blood of innocent animals, that, in return, spoke of a better sacrifice—that would one day be presented, which would settle the sin question once and for all. To cancel the debt of sin, Justice demanded the life of the sinner. The blood of animals could not satisfy Justice’s demand. The exchange had to be in kind, i.e. human for human. Moreover, the economy of barter, established by the courts of Heaven, demanded sinless blood for the ransom of the sinful—innocence for guilt. No man was qualified to pay the ransom; for all men had sinned and fallen short of such value. Mankind’s position was dark indeed, in that no one of the species could stand for the fallen race. The prospect becomes darker still, when it is contemplated that even if one from the race of man was found who was holy, sinless, innocent, and who could pay the ransom–would he?—since all the debtors were totally unlovable. This fact alone makes this love story so amazing. “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:7-8 NKJV). The ultimate act of love is so fully demonstrated, in that “He who knew no sin became sin;” not just sin – my sin – your sin, then died for that sin; washing it away with His own blood. Thus, in His vicarious death, the blood of a sinless man facilitated the ransom of all who believe on Him (Romans 5:9; Ephesians 2:13; 1 John 1:7; see 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Sin Debt Removed

The word “washed” as found in our text is the Greek lousanti from louō; it means, too loose. Therefore, the sinner is loosed from his or her sins by the blood of Jesus Christ. Thayer writes, “Jesus, by suffering the bloody death of a vicarious sacrifice cleansed us from the guilt of our sin.”

In order to perceive the limits to which the Almighty God extended Himself to provide a sinless ransom for our fallen race (that is all together unlovable), and in order to view His continued love-obsession for the ransomed, one must thoughtfully consider Acts 20:28,

“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” (NKJV)

“He purchased with his own blood.” There being no other, He came Himself. He left the regal throne of heaven and was lain in bloody straw; he laid aside His robe of royalty and put on a peasant’s gown; He, who was accustomed to the hails of the angelic hosts, willingly subjected Himself to the mocking of a snarling mob; He who was the possessor of the scepter of Heaven gave Himself to the murderous nails of mankind; He came from glory to gory; He, Who was the Creator, became wedded to His creation, thereby becoming death’s conqueror transfixed on a spear. “He purchased with his own blood.”

Amen

Apostolically Speaking

☩☩Jerry L Hayes

(Mar David Ignatius)

Read other essays from the Bishop on the Blood of Christ:
"The Blood Covenant (Sermon Outline)"
https://bishopjerrylhayes.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-blood-covenant-sermon-outline.html

As improtant as the blood of Christ is, it does not save by merely existing ⏤ it must be applied to one's life.

The blood of Christ is applied through the sacraments of Christian Water Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. 

We are excited to introduce two books from Bishop Jerry L Hayes on these two most important topics.

Water Baptism (Apostolic Orthodox Baptism) is a comprehensive study of biblical water baptism. Our book takes on the charge of Reformed Theology that water baptism, as a Christian sacrament, is not salvific. Bishop Hayes addresses 70 commonly asked questions on the subject, after which he examines 14 different biblical passages showing the salvific nature of the sacrament. Also, included in "Water Baptism" is a thorough examination of the canonicity of Matthew 28:19.Own your personal copy of this hallmark work on biblical water baptism by ordering from the link provided here:https://www.amazon.com/Water-Baptism-Bishop-Jerry-Hayes/dp/197628032X/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=bishop+Jerry+Hayes%2C+Water+Baptism&qid=1556583280&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

In "The Lord's Supper" Bishop Hayes presents a comprehensive study of the holy Sacrament.  The book answers important questions, like: "What is the Lord's supper?" Who may partake of the Lord's supper?" "Is the body and blood of Christ really present in the elements or do the elements actually change into the body and blood of Christ?" "How often should the Lord's Supper be observed?" These are but a few of the questions addressed in the book. We know you will want to own this classic work on the  Holy Communion. Order your personal copy today at the link provide here:

https://www.amazon.com/Lords-Supper-Apostolic-Concerning-Corinthians/dp/148254380X/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=bishop+Jerry+Hayes%2C+Lord%27s+Supper&qid=1556582944&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

Be sure to listen and subscribe to the Bishop's Podcast: Apostolic Bishop, at:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-apostolicbishops-podcast/id1472262392?fbclid=IwAR2FlRYnNsw5Vu_Bz4PjyEdiAxFMawhtD2BFr_S7WysrpFcYjuQYSHGAlZ

Hello friends, I am a full time biblical researcher. I  rely on freewill love offerings (from those of you who benefit from my work) and book sales  for my support. Would you please consider leaving a small donation at the link provided here? Thank you for your support. -JLH

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=4EXSWA2A47ARC



Dear friends, thousands of you read and benefit from our essays each month. If each of you invested only $1.00 each month, all of our financial needs would be met. Thank you for your support.