Category Archives: Blood

Bible, Blood, Gifts, Promises, Salvation, Scripture

SAVED FROM WRATH

ROMANS 5:9

“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.”

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow’r?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Refrain:
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless?
Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

I bet you know that old hymn written back in 1878. That’s what Paul is saying to us today in verse 9 of Romans 5. It is only because of the blood shed by God’s Son, Jesus, that we have been justified and saved from His wrath. You see, our sins demanded death from us. We were doomed to an eternal sentence of the fires of hell. But…Christ came and died for us, satisfying the wrath of God towards our sins. Isn’t that the best news ever?

APPLICATION

Because God paid such a high price for our salvation (the gift of His only Son), He values us. We are precious to Him. He cares for us. If I bought an expensive gun, do you think I would take care of it? You had better believe it. I would regularly clean and inspect it. I would be so careful when I used it to make sure I didn’t scratch or harm it. As much as I might do all those things for a gun, can you imagine how much God will take care of you who were paid for by the blood of His Son?

God’s wrath sounds horrible, doesn’t it? HELPS Word-studies gives us a good picture of this Greek word. “[‘Orgē comes from the verb oragō meaning, “to teem, to swell”; and thus implies that it is not a sudden outburst, but rather (referring to God’s) fixed, controlled, passionate feeling against sin – a settled indignation (so Hendriksen)’ (D. E. Hiebert, at 1 Thes 1:10).]” God cannot stomach sin. He will not tolerate it.

My wife and I like to watch a reality police show. It’s a live three hour show that follows several law enforcement departments during a three hour period of their night shift. I am amazed each time I see the officers letting people go after catching them with drugs. They are guilty, but they don’t charge them. Similarly, we are guilty. We have been caught red-handed in our sins, but because of Jesus’ blood, we have been declared justified (if we have accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord). Can you give God praise today for that gift?

Father, I am not worthy of the forgiveness You show me, but I am thankful.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Atonement, Bible, Blood, Jesus, Sacrifice, Scripture

OUR PROPITIATION

ROMANS 3:25

“whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in God’s merciful restraint He let the sins previously committed go unpunished;” 

Don’t you just love words that make you go, “Hmmm”? We’ve got one today. This Greek word only occurs in today’s verse and in Hebrews 9:5. We’ll take a look at that verse also. Here’s another word for you – supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Sound familiar? It’s from a 1964 film “Mary Poppins” and “is often defined as a nonsensical word to express excitement or a fantastic feeling.” (AI Overview) That has absolutely nothing to do with our verse today. Just thought I would throw it in, lol.

Paul uses the Greek word hilastérion which “retains a sharp focus on the single theme of atonement accomplished once for all.” (Topical Lexicon) We see it used in Hebrews 9:5 to refer to the mercy seat on the golden ark. “and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the atoning cover; but about these things we cannot now speak in detail.” Of course, we know that is where the High Priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice. It was there that God received the sacrifice.

APPLICATION

For us, though, in today’s verse it refers to Jesus Who gave His life to atone for our sins once for all. His sacrifice did not need to be repeated, as was the case in the Old Testament sacrifices. No, His blood on Calvary was the final blood sacrifice needed. It would forever appease the wrath of God towards anyone who would receive it.

The next time someone mentions propitiation, you can say, “Oh yeah, that’s Jesus.” That’s the simple answer for anyone asking. One death for all. One sacrifice for all sin. All we have to do is confess and believe. All we have to do is follow Him. It’s not rocket science. It’s not a difficult decision. Just step out and trust His promise.

So, ask yourself if you’ve done that. Ask yourself if you are sure your sins are covered under Christ’s blood. I know mine are – past, present and future. I am eternally sealed with His Spirit because I trusted in His blood sacrifice, His atoning death for me. What a peace that brings. Do you have that peace? It’s waiting for you.

O Lord, I praise You for the sacrifice of Your only Son as the propitiation for my sins.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Blood, Confession, Jesus, Scripture, Sin

WE KNOW OUR SINS

ROMANS 3:20

“because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin.”

No one has to tell me about my sins. I am far too aware of them. My late brother-in-law, Dr. Wayne Barber, used to say the older he got and the closer he got to heaven, the more aware he was of his own sin. You see, the closer we get to Jesus, the brighter the light is that exposes our wickedness. I think that may be part of what Paul was hinting at in today’s verse.

Paul has laid out in chapters 2 and 3 of Romans the futility of our efforts in justifying ourselves. Not even keeping the law will do that, if that was even possible. But I really like the last phrase of today’s verse. It is translated “for through the Law comes knowledge of sin.” The Greek literally says, “for through law knowledge of sin.” The law does us a favor by pointing out our sins. The Old Testament points us towards our need for a Savior. That is fulfilled in Jesus through Whom we are justified.

APPLICATION

I am reminded of Galatians 2:21. There, Paul says, “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.” The law was important, but it wasn’t God’s Plan A which failed. No! God gave us the law to point out that we cannot keep it. We need someone greater than ourselves to keep it perfectly, to fulfill it. That’ why He sent Jesus.

Do you ever have trouble when you are praying thinking of a sin you have committed that day? Honestly, there have been few times (and I repeat a FEW times) that I have. But when I voice that to God, He is quick to point them out. He knows our secret sins, those things we keep tucked back in the corner of our minds that left unconfessed grow into thoughts which become actions which become sin. And we know where sin leads, don’t we?

I read yesterday about a pastor in another state that was arrested for child exploitation. While denying any physical contact with a child, he used AI to create child pornography. This thought became an action which resulted in sin. The same is true for us all. I am not pointing fingers at this man. You’ve heard it said, “Save but by the grace of God, there go I.” We are all one slippery slope away from spiritual failure. Confess your known sins today and ask the Lord to reveal any unknown sin in your life. He has the solution for your sin – Jesus’ shed blood on Calvary.

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Blood, Innocent, Murder, Persecution, Scripture

INNOCENT ONES

ROMANS 3:15

“THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD,”

In our society today, innocent blood is shed every day. Whether it be at the hands of an abortionist or a terrorist, these people are intent on shedding innocent blood. Right now, across our globe souls are entering into heaven, robbed of their life’s breath. God sees and knows every soul and welcomes them into His bosom to embrace. These are the innocent ones, ones who had given their lives to Christ or ones that had never even had the chance breathe their first breath. God knows.

Paul quotes the first part of Isaiah 59:7 in today’s verse. Isaiah says, “Their feet run to evil, and they hurry to shed innocent blood;” We’ll see more from Isaiah in the next couple of verses from Paul, but for today, let’s look at this passage. Paul knows those who lie about God, who deny God, who defy God will do exactly what Isaiah said. They will shed innocent blood swiftly without as much as a second thought. God will judge these individuals in His time. We can rest on that.

APPLICATION

It’s interesting that the Greek word used here for “swift” is only used seven other times, all in the book of Revelation and every time there it is translated “sharp” in reference to a sharp sickle or sword. Have you ever seen a sharp two-edged sword? You had better know how to handle it or you will wind up cutting yourself. People who shed innocent blood had better be careful as well. Blood shedding can cut both ways.

The Greek word for “shed” literally means to pour out, gush out. This is not a delicate shedding of blood. It is vicious and cruel. There is no concern for the life of the innocent one. Look around you. All around the world we see this happening. What is a Christ follower to do? Pray! Seek God’s face! Pray for protection for all those threatened by these faithless ones.

This is a hard thought, I know. But we cannot pretend this is not happening today. This doesn’t just apply to the first century martyrs or a new believer in a Muslim country. It’s happening everywhere. Pray for the Lord to do a miraculous work in our world today and shield the innocent in such a way that it drives their persecutors to their knees in repentance. That’s their only hope – Jesus.

Father, send Your guardian angels to surround those facing persecution and death. Show up and astound the world.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Blood, Eternity, Forgiveness, Judging, Judgment, Scripture, Sin

WE WILL ALL BE JUDGED

ROMANS 3:7

“But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner?”

In William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Queen Gertrude in speaking to the Player Queen says, “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.” The phrase refers to someone’s excessively strong or insincere denial of something, leading others to suspect they might be guilty or hiding something. That phrase popped into my head when I read today’s verse.

Paul is kind of playing the devil’s advocate here and throwing out another ridiculous question. Can our sins ever cause God’s glory to become greater? Paul isn’t insinuating that. He is really showing the folly of such thinking. But he knows that people want to rationalize their sinful decisions. After all, why should we be judged, right? Because we are sinful creatures in need of Savior.

APPLICATION

God’s glory is not enhanced by our sin. His glory is shown by how He responds to this sin by demanding adherence to His commands. You’ve heard it said that God’s ten commandments are not His ten suggestions. They are meant to be followed. When we choose to not follow them, we are subject to the punishment that will follow, sooner or later.

Why Carl, I’ve been a sinner all my life and God hasn’t stricken me dead yet. That’s right, not yet. But we know that our sins will find us out. We will be held liable for those sins at some point. We see people all around us who seemingly get away with all kinds of sinful behavior. They may not ever face the consequences this side of eternity, but their day is coming. Rest assured, God will not be mocked.

As I write this devotional blog today, the world has been rocked by yet another senseless murder. The man killed loved Jesus and will be seen as a martyr for Christ. Even his last few words were giving testimony to the work Christ had done. And then…the bullet came that took his life. We scream for justice. We scream for retribution. But Christ died for the very man who took Charlie Kirk’s life. Charlie would have been the first to share Jesus with him, if he had only asked. And if by chance this young man turns to Jesus before his death, Charlie will be there to welcome him into heaven.

Sins left unconfessed and uncovered by the blood of Christ will cost you everything. You will lose an eternity with God. But if you confess and turn to Him, all is forgiven, no matter the gravity of the sin. Have you done that?

O Lord, forgive us for judging others when we have no right to do so. You are the one who is worthy to judge all mankind.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Blood, Cross, Enemies, Grace, Scripture

ENEMIES OF THE CROSS

PHILIPPIANS 3:18

“For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even as I weep, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ,”

I was watching the news yesterday about the riots in Los Angeles because of the deportation efforts being led by I.C.E. and other law enforcement groups. The word “enemies” entered my mind when I saw the burning of cars and tires in the middle of the streets. Whatever side of the immigration discussion you are on, you have to admit that violent protests do nothing but make each side more entrenched and become more volatile enemies of each other.

Paul knew what real enemies were like. He had faced them his whole ministry. From the very beginning when he had to flee Damascus due to a threat on his life to where he was when he wrote the letter to the Philippians, he had fought against these powers of darkness. The word “enemies” means someone who is hateful, hostile and aggressive. They are intentionally against you and will do whatever is necessary to try to stop you. Paul knew this far too well.

APPLICATION

I want you to take a look at what these people were enemies of, according to Paul. They were “enemies of the cross of Christ.” You see, these enemies were those who tried to diminish the sole sufficiency of the cross with the need to keep the Jewish law. Christ’s substitutionary death on that cross wasn’t enough to save you, according to these enemies. You needed more.

Paul will go on to further describe these enemies in the next verse, which we will see tomorrow. Needless to say, Paul didn’t mince words when it came to those who tried to negate the power of the cross. I am reminded of Galatians 2:21 in Paul’s confrontation with Peter on this very issue of adding to grace. “‘I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.’”

All we need is Jesus. Nothing else. If anyone tells you anything different, they are an enemy of the cross. They don’t believe in the power of the cross. They don’t believe in the power of the blood. The third verse of “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus” says it all:

Nothing can my sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Naught of works, ’tis all of grace—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Thank You, Father, for the sufficiency of the Cross of Christ.

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Bible, Blood, Forgiveness, Redemption, Sacrifice, Scripture

THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS

COLOSSIANS 1:14

“in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

Forgiveness is a big thing! Probably the biggest struggle Christians wrestle with is forgiveness. Many can’t believe that God would forgive them of all their sins. They were just too bad. Others believe because God has forgiven them of their sins, they are free to live any way they want. Both thoughts are in error. That reminds me of Matthew 22:29 where Jesus told the Pharisees, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” I think that verse applies to this topic of forgiveness.

Paul is reminding these Colossian believers that their forgiveness rests only in the redemption they received through the blood of Christ. We do not have the ability to pay the price required by God. He demanded shed blood and not just any blood. It required the divine, pure blood of the Lamb of God. That redemption was provided for all of us for eternity. We just have to accept the free gift offered and live for Him.

APPLICATION

The Greek word used here for “redemption” is apolýtrōsis. HELPS Word Studies gives this definition, which I think is so good. It “emphasizes the distance (“safety-margin”) that results between the rescued person, and what previously enslaved them. For the believer, the prefix (apó) looks back to God’s effective work of grace, purchasing them from the debt of sin and bringing them to their new status (being in Christ).”

We have been delivered a safe distance from sin’s power and the penalty of it. We just have to believe that Christ has done that. We don’t have to understand it. We just accept it. If we could really understand all that went into our forgiveness, it would not be a God given miracle, would it? Accept it and believe it.

How about the extension of that forgiveness to others? If Christ has forgiven us so much, can’t we forgive those who have hurt us? This is another part of forgiveness that cripples so many believers. In order to please our Lord, we must forgive others as He has forgiven us. Everything else falls short. Forgive someone today.

Lord, thank You for forgiving me. I know I did not deserve it, but I am so thankful for it.

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Access, Bible, Blood, Cross, Eternal Life, Salvation, Scripture

THROUGH THE CROSS

EPHESIANS 2:16

“and that He might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility.”

Sometimes the only way to get to something is to go through something. I had to go through four years of college and three years of seminary to get to my Master’s Degree. It was a lot of work, a lot of blood, sweat and tears. It also took a lot of prayer. But at the end of those seven years, I held that diploma proudly.

Paul, however, explains that my reconciliation to God had nothing to do with my human effort. It was solely through the cross of Christ. It was His sacrifice that brought me to God. The Greek word for “through” used here is dia which can mean “by the instrumentality of. The cross of Christ was the only instrument needed to rescue me.

APPLICATION

Have you ever seen the Bridge Illustration? It is a simple way to share your faith with someone. Below is the full diagram showing the gap that separated you from God and how the cross bridges that gap.

I normally use Romans 6:23 to lead someone through this illustration. On the left side of the gap below “us” I would write “wages” an “sin.” Then I write “death” at the bottom. On the right side under “God” I would write “free gift” and “eternal life.” I use a cool app called “Share Your Faith” which walks right through it.

Why am I sharing all this with you? 1. So you can see that it is only through the cross that we can cross that great divide between us and God. 2. So you can have a tool to use to share your faith with someone else.

Don’t take your salvation for granted. Christ’s cross wasn’t some shiny, golden cross. It was a rugged piece of wood covered in blood. He shed His blood, sweat and tears for you. Never forget that. Give Him praise today!

I am so thankful today, Lord, for the sacrifice of the cross.

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Abiding, Access, Bible, Blood, Eternity, God's Will, Hugs, Near, Scripture, Snuggles

BROUGHT NEAR BY THE BLOOD

EPHESIANS 2:13

“But now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

Okay, I admit it. I’m a snuggler. I like to snuggle. I like close contact. I would go to sleep every night snuggling my wife, but she says I am like an oven. I think she just thinks I’m hot. Lol. But seriously, I like to be close to people. I had much rather be in a room with ten close friends than in a concert with thousands. It’s just the way I am wired.

Did you know God likes to snuggle? It’s true. Look at today’s verse. Paul says we “have been brought near.” God saw that we “were far away” and sent His Son to bring us near. God wanted and still wants to be close to us. I love how Albert Barnes explains this verse. “The Jews came near to the mercy seat on which the symbol of the divine presence rested by the blood that was offered in sacrifice; that is, the high priest approached that mercy-seat with blood and sprinkled it before God. Now we are permitted to approach him with the blood of the atonement. The shedding of that blood has prepared the way by which Gentiles as well as Jews may approach God, and it is by that offering that we are led to seek God.”

APPLICATION

Wow! Isn’t that great? Through the shed blood of Christ, we can approach the mercy seat of God. His blood prepared the path. It was nothing we did. It was all Him. James says this in James 4:8. “Come close to God and He will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” The verb used for “come close” is from the same Greek word used in today’s verse for “near.”

Isn’t it sad that so many won’t do that? They won’t come close. They prefer to stay far away. They think they don’t need that kind of intimacy with God. But they shouldn’t tarry. Jesus said so in Luke 21:29-31. “29 And He told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees: 30 as soon as they put forth leaves, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near. 31 So you too, when you see these things happening,  recognize that the kingdom of God is near.’”

Jesus said it, so that settles it. The kingdom is drawing near. Jesus could return in our lifetime. Or He come next century. We don’t know, but we must be ready. If you are living far away today, draw near to Him. He will wrap you in His loving embrace and snuggle you. I promise. I have felt it. It is so comforting. Draw near today!

Father, I welcome Your embrace and snuggles.

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Bible, Blood, Chosen, God's Will, Holiness, Holy, Offering, Scripture

HOLY TO THE LORD

ZECHARIAH 14:20

“On that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, ‘HOLY TO THE LORD.’ And the cooking pots in the LORD’S house will be like the bowls before the altar.”

It seems everyone is trying “normalize” everything. Things we thought were abnormal a generation ago are now mainstream. Same sex marriage has been made equal with normal heterosexual marriage. Pregnancy before marriage is now accepted. Nobody bats an eye. We have “dumbed” down society to a level that is hardly recognizable.

That is not what is happening in today’s verse. In verse 20 of Zechariah 14, Zechariah is bringing these everyday items up to a level of holiness. Holiness isn’t brought down to their level. They are lifted up. That is exactly what the Lord does for us, isn’t it? He lifts us up out of the mirey clay, cleanses us and places us in the heavenlies.

APPLICATION

We need to do the same. We need to reach down and pull up the things that are unholy, change them through Jesus and declare them holy. 2 Timothy 2:21 says, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” Whew! Wow! “Useful to the Master.”

Let me ask you something. Are you useful for the master? Just like the bells on the horses and the cooking pots will be made holy, you may also be made holy through the blood of the Lamb. He wants to use you for His special tasks. He has plans for you. And He needs you to be a holy vessel, worthy of Him.

The great thing about us being holy is it is not up to us. We don’t have to do a bunch of works to earn it. We don’t have to keep 613 laws, drawn up by fallible men. We only have to rely on His holiness. We simply submit and let His holiness pour over us. Are you ready for some holiness on you?

Father, You are holy so I want to be holy. Use me as Your vessel.

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