No Forgiveness without Blood

“Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22). This is the voice of unchangeable truth. In none of the Jewish ceremonies were sins removed without the shedding of blood. In no case, by no means, can sin be pardoned without the reconciling work of Jesus Christ. It is clear, then, that there is no hope for me outside of Christ—for there is no other shedding of blood even worth considering as an atonement for sin. Am I, then, believing in Him? Is the blood of His atonement truly applied to my soul? All people are on the same level as to their need of Him. We may be the most moral, generous, friendly, or patriotic people ever—but the rule will not be altered to make an exception for us. Sin will yield to nothing less than the blood of Jesus, who God put forth as a sacrifice of atonement. What a blessing that there is this one way of pardon! Why should we seek another? People who practice a ritual religion cannot understand how we can rejoice that all our sins have been forgiven for Christ’s sake. Their work and prayer and ceremonies give them very poor comfort, and they should be uneasy—they are neglecting the one great salvation and trying to gain forgiveness without blood. Sit down, my soul, and observe that the justice of God is bound to punish sin. See that punishment executed upon the Lord Jesus, and fall down in humble joy, kissing the dear feet of the one whose blood made atonement for you. When our conscience seeks comfort, it is vain to look to feelings and evidences; this is a habit we learned in the “Egypt” of our bondage to the law. The only cure for a guilty conscience is the sight of Jesus suffering on the cross. The Levitical law said life was in the blood (see Leviticus 17:14)—rest assured that it is the life of faith and joy and every other holy grace. Oh! how sweet to view the flowing of my Savior’s precious blood; With divine assurance knowing He has made my peace with God.

—Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Morning and Evening