4.―On what Ground have we this Possession?

If God be the thrice-holy God, before whom the seraphim veil their faces and feet; if righteousness and judgment are the establishment of His throne, ―how can He forgive the sins of such an unclean thing as I am? Our text beautifully conveys the answer; it is “through His blood.” Much as God desired to bless the sinner, He must do it in a way consistent with His own righteousness. “Without shedding of blood is no remission” (Heb. 9:22). The blood of bulls and goats could not take away sins; but Jesus, God’s beloved Son, came, suffered as a lamb without blemish and without spot; and His blood, which God delights to call “precious blood” (1 Peter 1:19), is the ground upon which He forgives sins. Mark this well, reader; it is not on the ground of anything you are, nor of anything you have done, are doing, or will do; but on this simple basis alone, ― “His blood.” In that precious stream which flowed from the Saviour’s pierced side, read your title to the “forgiveness of sins.” Learn in it God’s thorough abhorrence of your sins, but His unutterable love in providing a ransom for you Nothing short of the untold sufferings and agonies of the Son of God could purchase you this possession. His work being finished, do not think to add to its perfection by any doings of yours; His precious blood having been shed, do not dream of adding anything to its value. God could not act upon a lesser basis, but He needs nothing more. Beholding then in His blood an indisputable title to present and everlasting blessing, embrace that blessing in simple faith, your soul adoring the peerless Person of Him who died that it might be yours.