When spoken of as known so as to be valued, the blood always seems to involve, more or less remotely, the idea of atonement. In itself it is atonement; even that by which alone God can be just, and yet the justifier of the sinner. And so it is that which not only enables God to bless, but the sinner to draw near for blessing.

And yet the blood has more uses and applications in connection with atonement than most are aware of. For it may be looked at as presented with the view of giving eternal life to them that believe, as in itself propitiation; as the removal of sin; as justification, forgiveness, nearness, peace; as that which alone cleanses the conscience of a sinner, or can keep a saint’s conscience clean; which has cleansed the person in one place, and the robes in another; which is redemption, an approach to the holiest, the securer and retainer of that place; our purchase money, our sanctification, the proof of our election, our power over Satan, the power and measure of our obedience to God; that in which we have communion one with another, the seal of the everlasting covenant, etc. In such various lights does the Spirit make mention of the blood!

May the saints, however weak, know God’s estimate of the blood in all the varied applications of it and, through the Spirit, learn to adopt God’s estimate, and to set aside their own.

Ignorance of the blood, or carelessness to it, is the world’s condemnation. May the Holy Spirit, who bears witness with the blood, reveal to us that which flesh and blood cannot, while we muse on these things!