"Without the shedding of blood is no remission." — Hebrews 9:22
The Only Way to Forgiveness
This is the voice of unchanging truth. In none of the Jewish ceremonies were sins removed—even in symbol—without blood being shed. In no case and by no means can sin ever be pardoned without atonement. It is clear then: there is no hope for me outside of Christ, for no other blood-shedding is worth a thought as atonement for sin.
Am I, then, believing in Him? Is the blood of His atonement truly applied to my soul? All people stand equal in their need of Him. Though we be ever so moral, generous, kind, or patriotic, the rule will not be altered for us. Sin will yield to nothing less than the blood of Him whom God has set forth as a sacrifice.
What a blessing that there is one way of pardon! Why should we seek another?
Look to Jesus and Rest in His Sacrifice
People of merely formal religion cannot understand how we rejoice that all our sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake. Their works, prayers, and ceremonies bring them poor comfort—and well may they be uneasy, for they neglect the one great salvation, trying to find forgiveness without blood.
My soul, sit down and behold God’s justice that must punish sin! See that punishment executed upon your Lord Jesus, and fall down in humble joy. Kiss the dear feet of Him whose blood has made atonement for you.
When conscience troubles you, it is useless to run to feelings and proofs for comfort: this is a habit we learned in the Egypt of our legal bondage. The only cure for a guilty conscience is to look upon Jesus suffering on the cross. “The blood is the life thereof,” says the Levitical law, and let us be certain that it is the life of faith, joy, and every other holy gift.
“Oh! how sweet to view the flowing
Of my Savior’s precious blood;
With divine assurance knowing
He has made my peace with God.”