History-Making News
In the past several days, we have been exposed to some
incredibly controversial and history-changing events. I think it’s fair to say
our world has been set on a course that cannot change. Like it or not, we will
never be the same again.
Yes, the U.S. Supreme Court heard two cases related to the
issue of same-sex unions, but I’m actually referring to something that is far
more controversial and life-altering. What many of us were exposed to this
Easter was the proclamation of Christ’s death and resurrection.
And yet, in hearts across America, the good news of the
gospel is increasingly met with apathetic agreement or numb indifference. If we
took a vote, I’d wager that our emotions were more caught up in last week’s
U.S. Supreme Court cases than they were in the events celebrated during Easter.
Why is this the case?
Part of the answer is that we are not seeking our all in the gospel.
I experienced this myself the last time I sang an old hymn:
“Nothing But the Blood of Jesus.” To my surprise, I found my heart arguing with
the truth contained in the lyrics. I became freshly aware of how easily I
pursue thoughts of love, justice, hope, and virtue apart from God. Pretty soon,
without even meaning to, I think we can construct a Fountain of Life of our own
making and ignore the only true life-giving fountain known to humankind: the
blood of Jesus.
Look with me at just four short lines from the hymn and see
how we all might be tempted to place our hope in substitute fountains.
What can wash away my sin?
Possibly self-atonement, which can seem an
attractive, or even a necessary, option. It is good when we sense the need for
our sins to be atoned, but we err when we attempt to provide that atonement
ourselves through penance. We also err when we interpret present trials as God’s
punishment for past sins, as if our suffering could somehow pay Him back.
The truth is that no amount of
self-punishment can make up for our failings. No self-inflicted wound can heal
our damaged relationship with a holy God. No, it was Christ who was “wounded
for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities,” and it is “by His
stripes [that] we are healed” (Isa. 53:5). We are sufficiently washed only by
the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again?
Maybe time or distance can bring restoration.
If we give God enough space and let enough time pass, our sin might possibly
disappear from view. After all, there is a statute of limitations on certain
crimes. Once a long enough period has elapsed, victims lose the ability to sue
the perpetrator.
Sins against a timeless God, however, cannot
be erased by the mere passage of time. Every sin not dealt with is a sin stored
up for the day of wrath (Eccles. 12:14; Rom. 2:5). Furthermore, our restoration
is accomplished by running to God,
not from God. Indeed, because of Christ we are urged to approach God’s throne boldly
so we might “obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). We
are made whole only by the blood of Jesus.
This is all my hope and peace.
Right now, I think a lot of us
are placing our hope in the potential for change to take place in our society.
The upcoming decisions of the Supreme Court will result in our jubilation or
devastation. The United States stands at a crossroads, and the path it chooses
seems tied to the salvation or ruination of us all.
Not to discount the
importance of this moment in history, but the waves of public opinion are not
where we find our hope or peace. Societies and nations come and go, as do their
value systems. Christ Jesus, on the other hand, is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb.
13:8). It is His finished work that gives us a timeless hope—a hope that will
never fade or pass away. Our hope and peace are found only in the blood of
Jesus.
This is all my righteousness.
We might seek an advancement
of our own righteousness. If we can increase our good works, we might possibly
end up on top. Striving harder in our devotional life or dedicating more time
to prayer and fasting may be enough to tip the scales and put us in God’s good
graces.
The problem with this line of
thinking is that it actually treats the gospel as unnecessary. If our efforts
are what ultimately makes things right, then Christ died in vain (Gal. 2:21). In truth, even our best efforts amount to nothing more than
“filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6). But
thanks be to God, who, through Christ, has become
our righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30). The believer is united to Christ in such a
binding way that Christ is his
righteousness (Philip. 3:9)! And we inherit this righteousness by—you guessed
it—nothing but the blood of Jesus.
The Most Precious Fountain
We were not
redeemed by something cheap and corruptible. No broken cistern, no dripping
well can compare to this perpetual fountain. Rich stores of blessing are
contained in the glorious flow of God’s redeeming love: Cleansing from sin.
Complete restoration. Full hope and peace. Perfect righteousness. All ours,
full and free, by the precious blood of Christ.
Oh! precious is the
flow
That makes me white
as snow;
No other fount I
know,
Nothing but the blood
of Jesus.