November 12

And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. - 1 John 1:7.

HERE we have an assurance of pardon. Observe the Procurer,-“ The Son of God.” However this term may be explained, it always in Scripture means dignity. It does so when he is called the Son of man, as having taken upon him human nature; but especially when he is called the Son of God. “Unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee?” But could he as the Son of God have blood to shed? Could he suffer and die? Here the matter is explained:-”In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” For, though the divine nature could not suffer, the human nature can; and so we read, “Because the children were partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Thus, by partaking of our nature, he could suffer and die; and in consequence of this his blood is called “the blood of God.” Feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Let us notice, Secondly, The efficacy of his death. “His blood cleanseth us from all sin.” It delivers us from the heinousness of it, however offensive it is in the eyes of a holy God. The application of this blood to our souls will deliver us from the love of sin, and make us “dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto righteousness.”

Thirdly, Let us mark the extent of it. It cleanseth from all sin:-from actual sin, and original sin; from all sin, however aggravated. And his blood cleanseth perfectly and completely from every transgression. Jesus by his one offering hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. As saith the poet,-

“And his one offering takes away

Forever all our guilt.”

For if sin were to be unpardoned and unatoned for, it would be sufficient to plunge the sinner into endless perdition.

Fourthly, The personal reference:-it “cleanseth us from all sin.” Yes, it cleanseth those who walk in the light as he is in the light, “and who have fellowship with him.” What! do they need pardon? Certainly: we know that “in many things we offend all,” and that in regard to our most holy things, our performance of them calls for condemnation rather than recompense. We are taught by the Saviour to pray for daily forgiveness as well as for daily bread.