Scripture Reading Act 13:38-38
Acts 13:38-39 ‘Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins. And by him all that believe are justified from all things from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses.
Today we remember the Events that Changed Everything
The life, death, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus are at the centre of human history. They are the events that changed everything. I don’t think there is a more vivid and gripping description of these Events than Isaiah 53:6–12:
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.”
Christ was there when you need it. All that God had planned from the very beginning, Jesus accomplished. And everything that God will do in the future will take place because Jesus accomplished these things. Jesus planned, promised and fulfilled all of God’s good purposes. How did Jesus fulfil God’s good purposes?
1. By the blood
Hebrew 9:12 ‘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.’
I do not know whether you have ever donated blood. When you donate your blood, sometime, a nurse will give you a card to read while a pint of the vital red fluid flowed out of your vein. The card showed the percentages of people who have different blood types. Here are some of them:
O-Positive 37.4%
A-Positive 35.7%
A-Negative 6.3%
B-Negative 1.5%
The rarest, AB-Negative, is found in only 1 in 167 people, or 0.6% of the population. Then the card made this eye-catching statement: “The rarest blood type is the one that’s not there when you need it.” There is another supply of blood that is one of a kind and always available to those who ask for it. First John 1:7 states, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” It was the death of Christ—the shedding of His blood— that satisfied the demand of a holy God as payment for our sins. So now, whenever a person cries out in faith to God, repenting of his sin and pleading for forgiveness, his prayer for salvation is answered. I am deeply grateful that Jesus was willing to die on the cross, giving His blood for me, so that forgiveness was available when I needed it. Aren’t you? Let’s learn something about this blood.
a. Red Blood
Jesus’ blood is not just there when you need it, but it is Red Blood. A small detachment of British troops, surprised by an overwhelming enemy force, fell back under heavy fire. Their wounded lay in a perilous position, facing certain death. They all realized they had to come immediately under the protection of a Red Cross flag if they wanted to survive. All they had was a piece of white cloth, but no red paint. So they used the blood from their wounds to make a large cross on that white cloth. Their attackers respected that grim flag as it was held aloft, and the British wounded were brought to safety. Our enemy not only must respect the blood of Christ shed on Calvary’s cross, he also is helpless against it. Christ’s blood represents the sacrifice of One whose death removed the guilt and condemnation of our sin and broke its hold over us. It is absolute protection against the accusation of Satan, the defeating remembrances of past sins, and the downpull of our Adamic nature. No wonder we glory in the cross. Calvary stands for Satan’s fall.
b. It is not a tired blood
It is not just Red Blood. It is also not a tired blood. God requires a blood sacrifice. From the time sin entered the world this has been true. He Himself slew the innocent animal, shedding the blood to clothe the sinful pair in the Garden of Eden. Abel was accepted because he brought the offering God required: the firstling of the flock, a blood sacrifice. All of these were but promissory notes anticipating the Lamb of God whose blood was to be shed, providing the “one sacrifice for sins forever.” Only His blood could atone for sin.
Sometimes, when you donate blood, it may not be accepted. A friend light-heartedly sent a card reading to others who want to donate blood, “The Blood Donors Association wishes to inform you that no donation will be necessary because you have tired blood.” Another biological term for tired blood is fatigue blood. I talked to a medical technologist and was informed that tired blood is diluted blood. This is true of Adam’s family; we have not only tired, diluted but tainted blood, for “by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned” (Rom. 5:12).
An unblemished sacrifice was essential in paying the price of man’s redemption. Only the spotless Lamb, God’s well-beloved Son, could atone by shedding His blood. The poet expressed it so well: “Not all the blood of beasts on Jewish altars slain could give the guilty conscience peace or wash away the stain. But Christ the Heavenly Lamb takes all our sins away; a sacrifice of nobler name and richer blood than they.” Not the “tired blood” of a sinful man or animal, but the precious blood of the Heaven-sent Sacrifice makes possible the removal of our sins.
c. The blood cleans out all old files
The blood also cleans out all the old files. A certain businessman was notorious for saving almost everything that came across his desk—especially correspondence. Consequently, the files in his office were bulging. One day his secretary asked if she might dispose of all the old, useless material. The man was reluctant, but finally said, “Well, all right, but be sure you make a copy of everything before you throw it away.” That’s the way some Christians handle their sins. They know that Jesus paid the penalty, but somehow they can’t let go of the guilt. It’s as if Christ’s suffering was not enough, and they must contribute some of their own anguish by continually lamenting their failures and doing good works. They want to keep copies of everything they’ve done. How foolish! The apostle Paul wanted nothing of this. He accepted as an accomplished fact the removal of all his guilt before God because Christ’s death had marked PAID IN FULL over his account. When I made purchase of lumber materials, it will be paid in stages, depending on the delivery of the materials needed. But when finally all the materials were delivered and purchases paid, I would like that the final receipts, always has the stamped, PAID IN FULL. Christ’s blood has paid in full all and sins and cleans up all the old files of my life. The memory of earlier days remained vivid, but it didn’t weigh him down. Everything that happens to us is retained in that remarkable filing system called “memory.” A wise forgetfulness based on Christ’s atoning sacrifice can keep all guilt feelings from cluttering up our life.
There is a strange power about the very name of blood, and the sight of it is always affecting. A kind heart cannot bear to see a sparrow bleed, and unless familiarized by use, turns away with horror at the slaughter of a beast. As to the blood of men, it is a consecrated thing: it is murder to shed it in wrath, it is a dreadful crime to squander it in war. Is this solemnity occasioned by the fact that the blood is the life, and the pouring of it forth the token of death? We think so. When we rise to contemplate the blood of the Son of God, our awe is yet more increased, and we shudder as we think of the guilt of sin, and the terrible penalty which the Sin-bearer endured. Blood, always precious, is priceless when it streams from Immanuel’s side. The blood of Jesus seals the covenant of grace, and makes it for ever sure. Covenants of old were made by sacrifice, and the everlasting covenant was ratified in the same manner. Oh, the delight of being saved upon the sure foundation of divine engagements which cannot be dishonoured! Salvation by the works of the law is a frail and broken vessel whose shipwreck is sure; but the covenant vessel fears no storms, for the blood ensures the whole. The blood of Jesus made his testament valid. Wills are of no power unless the testators die. In this light the soldier’s spear is a blessed aid to faith, since it proved our Lord to be really dead. Doubts upon that matter there can be none, and we may boldly appropriate the legacies which he has left for his people. Happy they who see their title to heavenly blessings assured to them by a dying Saviour. But has this blood no voice to us? Does it not bid us sanctify ourselves unto him by whom we have been redeemed? Does it not call us to newness of life, and incite us to entire consecration to the Lord? O that the power of the blood might be known, and felt in us this night!
2. By Justification
Jesus paid the price. And in the price he paid, it paid it all. This is the story of justification. Justification means, “to declare righteous.” Justification is God’s declaration that those who trust Jesus Christ are perfectly righteous before Him. It is a legal concept, as when a judge gives a verdict. God is the great Judge. It is His law we have broken. Before I am saved, God declares that I am a condemned sinner. After I come to Christ, God declares that I am righteous because of what Christ did for me on Calvary. Justification is being brought into a new spiritual position before God. The believer is no longer a part of the cursed household of Adam, but has entered the blessed household of Christ.
Romans 5:1-2 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Dr. Warren Wiersbe shares this illustration of justification. It seems that there was a man in England who put his Rolls-Royce on a boat and went across to the continent to go on a holiday. While he was driving around Europe, something happened to the motor of his car. He cabled the Rolls-Royce people back in England and asked, “I’m having trouble with my car; what do you suggest I do?” Well, the Rolls-Royce people flew a mechanic over! The mechanic repaired the car and flew back to England and left the man to continue his holiday. As you can imagine, the fellow was wondering, “How much is this going to cost me?” So when he got back to England, he wrote the people at Rolls-Royce a letter and asked how much he owed them. He received a letter from the office that read: “Dear Sir: There is no record anywhere in our files that anything ever went wrong with a Rolls-Royce.” That is justification!
Why Do We Need To Be Justified?
About ten years ago pollster George Barna found that “74% of Americans strongly agreed with the statement – ‘God will judge all people.’” In fact, these people were right. God will judge ALL people according to the Bible.
Romans 14:12 “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”
We need to be justified because we will come before God and be judged by Him. The BIG problem is that “…all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23. Because we have all sinned, we are guilty before God. And, all who are judged guilty are sentenced to the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:15).
Every person needs to be justified because we are all guilty before God and a Holy and Just God must condemn the unjust. How Can We Be Justified? Job of old poses this question “how should man be just with God?” Job 9:2b.
There are many religions that teach and many people who believe that good works, and law keeping will bring about justification before God. When you go to Rome do visit the Scala Sanctum (The Holy Stairs). These twenty-eight white marble steps, at Rome, near the Lateran Church are, according to tradition, the staircase that once led to the prætorium of Pilate at Jerusalem. Therefore the Church of Rome claims that since Christ climbed those steps, they are sanctified by His footsteps. Pilgrims come to climb on these steps and pray, believing that they are gaining merit with God and that this will induce God to justify them. Turn in your Bibles to Galatians 3:11 “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.”
So, back to the question – how can we be justified? Turn to Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” Faith in Christ appropriates what grace provides. Romans 3:24 “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:”
Faith is the mediating function through which justification is received. Remember, we are totally helpless to effect our own justification. It is through the shed blood of Christ & His resurrection that justification is made available. Turn to Romans 4:25 “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” Romans 5:9 “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” What these verses are saying is this. Christ added up the penalty demanded for man’s sin and gave Himself as an equivalent, paying the price on Calvary’s Cross. God showed that He accepted Christ’s payment by raising Him from the dead and now he is living proof that payment has been made and credited to the believer’s account.
3. By a Good Will
Hebrew 9:15 says ‘And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Perhaps you know someone who didn’t receive the inheritance intended by a parent because of a faulty will. In an article titled “Money & The Law,” attorney Jim Flynn says that if you want your estate to go to your chosen recipients instead of to members of the legal profession, you should avoid do-it-yourself wills. Such documents are usually legal but they are often unclear and fail to make provisions for unforeseen situations. Flynn advises having a formal will to be sure your wishes are carried out.
Man-made wills can fail, but there is no ambiguous language about the inheritance God has in store for us. The apostle Peter affirmed that God “has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).
No fluctuation in the economy can reduce this inheritance. It is not subject to review by the courts nor to debate by squabbling families. No amount of suffering or trials can diminish or change what God has in store for us. Our inheritance is certain and eternal (Hebrews 9:15). And as we live for Him, we are assured that His will for our lives today is “good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
Why do we live like paupers,
When riches we possess?
We have become joint heirs with Christ
With blessings measureless.
The Christian’s inheritance is guaranteed forever! His Will Is Valid. Robby Flockheart, a street evangelist in Edinburgh, often told two stories to stress the importance of two truths—that Jesus died but also lives. In the first story, Robby the Evangelist told about becoming friends with a man who was later condemned to die. The prisoner called for Robby, the Evangelist and in his presence made out his will, leaving Robby what little money he had. But on the day of the man’s scheduled execution, he was pardoned. Recounting the circumstances, Robby said, “He lived (the prisoner lived), but I lost my legacy (the prisoner’s inheritance). A testament is not in force while the testator lives.”
In the second story, Robby told of another person who left him a small legacy. But Robby never got any of that inheritance either because, as he told it, “some rogue of a lawyer came along and I never saw a penny of it. I used to say, `If the man who left the will had been alive, he would have made sure his old friend Robby, the Evangelist, got his money.’ But being dead, he had no power to see his will carried out.”
Jesus, the great testator of the new covenant, did die; there is no question about that. Therefore, the will, certified by His precious blood, is valid. He has secured eternal redemption for us through His atoning death. But the Savior did not remain in the grave. After three days He arose, and today He lives to make sure that His will is fully carried out, his inheritance is fully given to all who believes. His life ensures that every blessing promised by the New Testament will be given to everyone who trusts the Savior.
Christ died, making His will valid; and He lives, guaranteeing our priceless inheritance. —Only a living Savior could rescue a dying world.
