"The blood of Jesus Christ..."
"brings about that real sinlessness which is essential to union with God" (Bishop Westcott), who also says "the question is not of justification, but of sanctification."
As ritual purity was required of all who would approach to God under the old covenant, so moral cleanness of conscience through the blood of Christ is required of all who would serve the living God in New Testament times. (Eph. v. 26, 27; Tit.ii. 14; Heb. ix. 13, 14, 22-24.)
Two distinct ideas were included in the sacrifice of a victim on the Jewish altar, the death of the animal, and the liberation of the life so as to become available for the offerer. Thus the blood of Christ represents His life as rendered in free self-sacrifice to God for men, and also as brought into fellowship with God after being set free by death.The blood of Christ is, as shed, the
life of Christ given for all men, but as applied, it becomes the life of
those only who by believing on Him are incorporated "in Christ."
Participation in His blood is sharing His life. (John vi. 53-56.) The
following texts have predominant reference to justification: Acts xx.
28; Rom. v. 9; Eph. i. 7, ii. 13; Col. i. 20; Heb. ix. 14, x. 19, xii.
24; 1 Pet. i. 2, 18. The two elements, Christ's death, the blood shed,
and Christ's life set free, the blood offered, are clearly indicated in
the double cure in verse 9. God is faithful and righteous to forgive us
our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, i. e., to make
holy and keep holy.
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