By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Matthew 26:28 "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."_ - NIV
These were the words of Jesus to His disciples as they ate the last supper together before His arrest, torture and death. Symbolically, He gave them to drink from one cup, to represent the blood He was going to shed. The purpose of the blood was forgiveness of sin. Prior to that, the old covenant required that for people’s sins to be forgiven, the blood of animals was used for atonement. But Jesus was now shedding His own blood for the once and for all forgiveness of all people’s sins in covenant for all generations to come.
Blood is life. For it to be poured out, a part or whole life of an animal or human being is lost. When Jesus shed His blood for our sins, He literally laid down His life for us. No such price, of the magnitude of the life of the Son of God, would be paid if God didn’t place so much value in us! He loved and valued us too much to leave us lost in our sins. He gave His best, to redeem His best. We are His best.
The price for forgiveness of sin was fully paid. But God doesn’t impose it on us. He expects us to acknowledge this great gesture of His limitless love and respond by recieving His forgiveness through repentance of sin. He calls us to Himself. How can we fail to respond to such immeasurable love?! To you precious one who has not recieved Jesus, He calls today. Do not harden your heart to His tender mercies. You can recieve Him now wherever you are by faith. His blood washes away sin so that we are justified before God. Blessed be His great name! _
1 Peter:3.18 "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God..._"
Shalom children of God. Happy Easter