Bloodshed

Faithmemorial   -  

“For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.” Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.”

Hebrews 9:16-22

Here at FMC, we often talk of the 10 Sheddings of Christ’s Blood. In fact, there have been several mentions of it throughout our sermon series, “The Ascending Christian”. So, what is the big deal? Why the constant referral to blood? The answer is simple. The Blood of Christ is the foundation of our Covenant with God. In fact, as Romans 3:25 teaches, faith in the Blood of Christ tethers us to the propitiating sacrifice of Christ, the declaration of our righteousness, and the remission of sins. It also reminds us of the forbearance (longsuffering) of God! If you want another reason, in Leviticus 17:11, we hear God speaking on the importance of the blood. “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” The life of the flesh is in the blood. Therefore, the life of Christ – that perfect life – free from the taint of sin and curse, is in the blood. I guess you could say the blood is a pretty big deal. It would probably behoove us to pay special attention to the blood. According to Scripture, we see Christ shed (not spilt nor sprinkled) His blood 10 times for 10 different reasons.

First, Christ shed His blood before the foundation of the world. He did this in the heart and mind of God. This has often been labeled the Covenant of Redemption. This is where God (Father, Son, Spirit) made a covenant with Himself, to redeem mankind – long before there was a mankind to redeem. As I often say, “Before God said, ‘Let there be light.’, He had already said, ‘Let there be salvation.’”. This is a demonstration of God’s love and His grace to you.

Second, Christ shed His blood at His circumcision. He did this as an infant in accordance with the Mosaic Law. This demonstrates that Christ fulfilled the Law in order to free us from it.

Third, Christ shed blood in the Garden of Gethsemane. Here He shed His blood through the sweat of His brow. This is a rare occurrence that happens when someone’s stress and mental load becomes greater than the bodies physiological capabilities. This demonstrates a reversal of the curse upon Adam. Adam was told that he would live by the sweat of his brow. Now, we are able to live by the sweat of Christ’s. It is no longer our works that sustain us but His works.

Fourth, we see Christ shed blood in the Halls of Judgment (both Herod’s and Pilate’s). Here He was slapped and mocked. They blindfolded Him, berated Him, beat Him, and even plucked hair from His beard. In this He demonstrated that we no longer have to live under the burden of guilt and shame. He has borne all of that for us.

Fifth, we see the Crown of Thorns placed upon His head. In shedding blood from His head, Christ shows us that He has sanctified our mental realm with His blood. We don’t have to suffer from the curse of the law, in the arena of our mind any longer.

Sixth, Christ shed blood at the whipping post. They tied Him up and beat Him with an ancient torture device ripping flesh from His body. He was beaten beyond the point of recognition and, if it were not for the grace of God, He would have surely died here. In this He demonstrated the covenant fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy – By His stripes we are healed.

Seventh, Christ shed blood down the Via de la Rosa (Way of the Blood). This was the journey through the city and to Golgotha. In this Christ demonstrates that every single step of our life is covered in the blood. All circumstances and all obstacles have already been overcome.

Eighth, Christ shed blood through His nail-pierced hands. This reveals that the works of our hands have been blessed and sanctified through the suffering of Christ.

Ninth, Christ shed blood through His feet – moreover, through His heels. This demonstrates the overcoming of the Serpent and his kingdom. A fulfillment of the protoevangelium – the first Gospel.

And lastly, Christ shed blood through His side. When they pierced Him to discern whether He was still alive. From this wound flowed blood and water. Which two things, in conjunction with the Spirit, are the witness here on the earth. Therefore, Christ demonstrated that with this final shedding of His blood – the church was born.