Matthew 26:28: for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (NHEB)
Every war is won differently. Sometimes, it is sufficient to cause the enemy soldiers to retreat. Other times, it is enough to capture their main leaders, and cause the others to surrender or retreat.
Yet, there are wars which can only be won when the enemy’s military might is completely destroyed, without mercy. This strategy is called Annihilation, and it is usually employed when allowing the enemy a little mercy will be very costly in the long-run. Unfortunately, a little sin does exactly that in the life of the man God created.
You see, sin brings enmity and separation between God who is Holy and man. The scriptures reveal that God’s eyes are too Holy to behold sin. Habakkuk 1:13: Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing (NIV). Therefore, it is only natural that God will not dwell with the person that dwells in sin.
The scriptures also reveal that sin is a reproach that degrades God’s glory on individuals or any group of individuals. Whenever there is sin, God’s glory and presence is lost until there is genuine repentance and restoration through the blood of Jesus. Proverbs 14:34: Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Romans 3:23: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Another effect of sin is bondage. Sin is a ruthless slave-master who will ensure that his servants remain tied to him for life. So, wherever there is sin, there is bondage that requires a payment for freedom.
In the days of the Old Covenant, God promised through the prophet Zechariah that by the blood of a New covenant, He would free prisoners from a waterless pit (Zechariah 9:11). This prophecy was accomplished by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. As Christ shed His blood through the offering of His body for our sins, He utterly destroyed sin and its power.
This blood that was shed on the cross of Calvary has the threefold effect of restoring us to a right relationship with God, restoring lost glory and delivering us from bondage to sin and to the devil.
Is there any sin in your life today, repent of it this moment and cry out to Jesus. His blood has been shed for you to receive deliverance and freedom. Confess your sins by faith and receive the cleansing that comes from His blood alone, then go and sin no more.
1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.(NIV)
PRAYER: Thank you Lord Jesus for the blood of the new covenant. I come to you with a contrite heart. Please forgive me from all my sins and give me the grace to walk in holiness and righteousness all the days of my life in Jesus name. Amen.