“The Significance of His Blood”
“There is a strange power in the very name of blood, and the sight of it always affects people. A kind heart cannot bear to see a sparrow bleed, and unless that person has been familiarized by experience, turns away in horror at the slaughter of an animal. As to the blood of humans, it is a consecrated thing – it is murder to shed it in anger, and a dreadful crime to squander it in war. Do we feel this gravity because of the fact that the blood is life, and its pouring out is the sign of death? I think so. When we contemplate the blood of the Son of God, our awe is increased – we shudder to think of the guilt of sin and the terrible penalty 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 sure forever. Ancient covenants were made by sacrifice, and the everlasting covenant was ratified in the same way. Oh, the delight of being saved on the sure foundation of a divine pledge that cannot be dishonored! A ‘salvation’ based on the works of the law is a frail and leaking ship whose wreck is sure; but the covenant vessel fears no storms, for the blood ensures everything. The blood of Jesus put His covenant into effect; wills have no power unless the person who made the will dies. In this light, the Roman soldier’s spear is a blessed aid to faith, since it proved that our Lord was really dead. There can be no doubt on that matter, and we can boldly claim the bequests He left for His people. Happy are they who see their title to heavenly blessing guaranteed by a dying Savior.
But doesn’t this blood speak to us? Doesn’t it urge us to sanctify ourselves to the One by Whom we have been redeemed? Doesn’t it call us to newness of life, and incite us to entire devotion to the Lord? Oh, that we might know and feel the power of the blood this evening!” Charles Spurgeon