March 17

Matthew 26:28

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Christians are accused of having A BLOODY RELIGION; and IT IS TRUE that we do. God says in the Old Testament that “The life of the flesh is in the blood, FOR IT IS THE BLOOD THAT MAKES AN ATONEMENT FOR THE SOUL”. Lev. 17:11. Paul tells us that “Without shedding of blood is no remission”, (of sin), Hebrews 9:22. Throughout the Word, God is teaching us the futility of TRYING TO SAVE OURSELVES by our own efforts or by anything that we could possibly do. We have so hopelessly devoted ourselves to self, sin, and the works of the flesh that NOTHING we could ever do would cleanse us, make things right, and purchase our redemption. It’s like the words of an old hymn, “WHAT CAN WASH AWAY MY SIN? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” And another: “Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing flood? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless, are they white as snow, ARE YOU WASHED IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB?” Yes, you pay your bills, you treat others well, and you haven’t been caught YET for any crime you’ve committed, but, ARE YOU WASHED IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB?

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

"...what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30