There is a strange power about the very name of
blood, and the sight of it is always affecting. A kind
heart cannot bear to see a sparrow bleed, and unless
familiarized by use, turns away with horror at the
slaughter of a beast. As to the blood of men, it is a
consecrated thing: it is murder to shed it in wrath, it is
a dreadful crime to squander it in war. Is this
solemnity occasioned by the fact that the blood is the
life, and the pouring of it forth the token of death? We
think so. When we rise to contemplate the blood of the
Son of God, our awe is yet more increased, and we
shudder as we think of the guilt of sin, and the terrible
penalty which the Sin-bearer endured. Blood, always
precious, is priceless when it streams from
Immanuel side. The blood of Jesus seals the
covenant of grace, and makes it forever sure.
Covenants of old were made by sacrifice, and the
everlasting covenant was ratified in the same manner.
Oh, the delight of being saved upon the sure
foundation of divine engagements which cannot be
dishonored! Salvation by the works of the law is a frail
and broken vessel whose shipwreck is sure; but the
covenant vessel fears no storms, for the blood
ensures the whole. The blood of Jesus made His
testament valid. Wills are of no power unless the
testators die. In this light the soldiers spear is a
blessed aid to faith, since it proved our Lord to be
really dead. Doubts upon that matter there can be
none, and we may boldly appropriate the legacies
which He has left for His people. Happy they who see
their title to heavenly blessings assured to them by a
dying Savior. But has this blood no voice to us? Does
it not bid us sanctify ourselves unto Him by whom we
have been redeemed? Does it not call us to newness
of life, and incite us to entire consecration to the
Lord? O that the power of the
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