References: I Peter 1:18-19; Isaiah 53
The effect
Let us remember the context of the phrase we’ve been examining: …with His precious blood. Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 1 seeks to capture succinctly the message of redemption spelled out in the entire catechism. In turn, the statement of faith in its 129 questions and answers presents the gospel contained in the Scriptures. The message is one of comfort, giving answers to the problem afflicting all mankind.
We need to be absolutely clear about two things. We have noted them extensively in this series, but it is worth being reminded at this point. First, there is absolutely nothing man can do about salvation for himself. Second, God has done it all in the Redeemer sent for this purpose. Note the answer provided at its core: the precious blood of Jesus.
Peter wants you to understand that the work of Christ is not just something to study and take note of. It has in fact met your need.
Sprinkled on the mercy seat
Hebrews 10:19-20 underscores this reality. “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh.”
This picture demonstrates how a high priest’s service or lamb’s blood are insufficient, but Christ Himself has brought His blood to the mercy seat of God. It is the covering for the sins of His people, for you and me as we believe. Here is the point: you can with boldness, with confidence, being certain of the effect of the shed blood, enter the very presence of God.
Again, Jesus’ blood is precious, because by it you live before God, without fear and with the hope of eternal life. And even greater and more precious, when God’s people corporately come together, we come into that very holy of holies, face to face with God.
Without spot or wrinkle
One of the requirements of a sacrifice in the Old Testament was that the lamb be without “blemish and without spot.” It had to be in perfect condition. The blood shed by our Savior is blood shed by one who has no sin.
If someone comes forward to bail you out from your debt, yet he is also steeped in debt, that money is worthless. You can be sure of the value of the precious blood of Jesus because it comes from a sinless Savior. So when you look at all that Jesus did, when you look at where he came from and who he is, then indeed… the blood of Jesus is most precious. The blood of Christ is effective that you might have comfort.
Conclusion
God is not a vengeful God out of pettiness. He requires just payment for sin. To know Him and come to Him in worship and life means to experience true joy. This joy you cannot attain by yourself, but is fully yours by the grace of God. It is a joy that existed in the garden before sin, and now is secured by Christ for His children, so that they cannot fall away from it.
I trust that you have some sense of the cost of this restoration to the fullness of life. I trust that you truly know the preciousness of the blood of Jesus. Most importantly, I trust that you have some understanding of the greatness of what the precious blood of Jesus has actually purchased for you.
Blog post content taken from a sermon series delivered by Dr. Maynard Koerner, President and Professor of Ministerial Studies at Heidelberg Theological Seminary.