Hebrews 9:22 "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with
blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." NIV
A friend of mine called to let me know that her young grandchild, whom they had
been worried about, was just diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Along with the
diagnosis came training for both parents and child. Amidst the training it was
explained that insulin is the key that unlocks the body's cells so they are able
to absorb necessary sugar to promote body energy.
As I contemplated this definition of insulin's job, I found myself thinking how
this was so like the blood of Christ in regards to it being the key which
unlocks the way to restoration between God and man through forgiveness. And with
forgiveness comes abundance of life eternally.
Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. And without
forgiveness of sin there is no relationship with God. And without relationship
with God there is no eternal life.
Just like insulin however, forgiveness must be chosen. If a patient with
diabetes refuses to inject their insulin their cells remained locked. Sugar is
denied to the body and they eventually go into diabetic shock which leads to
death. Adjusting to taking a daily shot, especially for a child is difficult,
but in order to be healthy they must come to the acceptance of this fact.
Many people do not want to accept the fact that they are sinners and need God's
forgiveness. And yet this too is a fact. God states:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely
by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23 NIV
Forgiveness of sin is a free gift offered to all by God through faith in Christ
Jesus. To obtain his gift however one must accept the truth that everyone has
thought or done things displeasing to God leaving a breach in their relationship
with Him. This breach can only be restored as a person acknowledges their sin,
repents of it and turns by faith to the work of Jesus Christ on the cross: a
work which unlocks the healing power of forgiveness between God and man,
allowing man to be born again from spiritual death unto the abundance of eternal
life now and forever more.
Prayer: Father God we thank you for the provision which you have made for all
people to have eternal life in Christ. We pray today that many will come to the
realization of their sin and humbly repent and turn from it as they accept by
faith the person and work of Christ Jesus on the cross. May many pray today as
so many others have down through the eons of time: Lord Jesus I need you. I
acknowledge and turn from my sin. I ask you to come into my life. I accept and
embrace your forgiveness and thank you for restoring my relationship with God
now and forever more through the power of your blood. In Christ's name we pray.
Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Atlin, B.C.
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