Jeremiah 51-52, Hebrews 9 • Key Verse: Hebrews 9:12

The glass doors, front windows, display cases or even cash registers of stores tell us
the variety of ways we can pay for our purchases— VISA, MasterCard, American
Express, Discover, debit cards, checks and cash. Some retailers also have a coupon
program or voucher system, maybe a card filled with stamps. Options abound.
That is the way it is at gas stations, department stores, restaurants and other places of
business, but not the way it is in regard to salvation. In the words of the old hymn, it is
“nothing but the blood of Jesus” that can make the payment for our debt of sin.
This chapter of Hebrews draws our attention to what Jesus has done for us. It
especially reminds us that we are not saved by His life or by His example but by His
shed blood. We also must remember that salvation is nothing in or of ourselves but is
totally of Him. Again, as a songwriter put it, “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy
cross I cling.” As this chapter says, “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his
own blood, having obtained eternal redemption” (6:12).
While some people might want to turn away from this imagery, preferring instead to
focus on Jesus' life and example, we must remember that it is by His death, burial and
resurrection that we are saved. Again, quoting from a modern writer, “We had a debt we
could not pay; He paid a debt that He did not owe.”
“Thank You, God, for my salvation. It is a gift given freely to me but one that was
purchased at great price. I thank You for the shed blood of Jesus. ”
Woodrow Kroll & Tony beckett
www.backtothebible.in