Category: The Gospel of the Grace of God / Paul’s Gospel

Nothing But the Blood #7

Saturday, May 12, 2018

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18 KJV).

Today’s Scripture highlights the chorus of Robert Lowry’s 1876 hymn, “Nothing But the Blood.”

“Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

More than 700 years before Calvary, Israel was promised forgiveness: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (today’s Scripture). With the revelation of the mystery given to the Apostle Paul, we see just what the LORD God meant. Christ’s shed blood would purify them!

Romans chapter 3 again: “[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; [26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

Father God displayed for all to see Jesus Christ crucified as a “propitiation,” a fully-satisfying payment for sin. He believes the blood of His Son Jesus Christ can cleanse us of all sin (cf. 1 John 1:7). Do we agree with Him by faith? Or, are we so infatuated with self-righteousness that we claim not to have any sin? Or, if we do recognize our sin, will we cling to the defense, “I will do the best I can to make up for it?” Father God does not have faith in our works!! He knows better than that. Either Jesus Christ will pay our sin debt entirely, or it will never be paid and we will go straight to Hell forever!

God will not (!) receive our “good” works to get us into His Heaven. What will He accept? Indeed, nothing but the blood of Jesus! 🙂

Nothing But the Blood #6

Friday, May 11, 2018

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:5,6 KJV).

Today’s Scripture highlights the sixth verse of Robert Lowry’s 1876 hymn, “Nothing But the Blood.”

“Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

The Apostle John, representing Israel’s Little Flock (believing remnant), recognizes how Christ not only loved them but shed His sinless blood to sanctify them as Father God’s kings and priests. A doxology reviews, “To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

Despite Israel’s abundant past failures, they finally become God’s kingdom of priests He originally intended (Exodus 19:3-6). Having experienced 1,500 years (!) of condemnation under the Mosaic Law, they ultimately understand their self-righteousness is short of God’s glory. They will never make themselves God’s nation. It will depend entirely upon His work (Calvary)—not their efforts. Now washed, they enter eternal bliss, enjoying forever God’s earthly kingdom.

Colossians chapter 1 says: “[16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; [20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

As Jesus’ payment for sin allows Israel’s redemption (forming God’s earthly people), so that same blood, according to Paul’s Gospel, now forms us the Church the Body of Christ (God’s heavenly people).

Nothing but the blood indeed….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What does Scripture mean, ‘[God] sitteth upon… the earth?’”

Nothing But the Blood #5

Thursday, May 10, 2018

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14 KJV).

Today’s Scripture highlights the fifth verse of Robert Lowry’s 1876 hymn, “Nothing But the Blood.”

“Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

There is absolute victory in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. His shed blood pays to Father God the ransom to free us from sin’s prison. We move from Satan’s family to God’s. Ephesians 1:7, sister passage to today’s Scripture, elaborates: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;….” Hence, Heaven is open to any and all who rely exclusively on Jesus: “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4).

Concerning Israel’s sin problem, the nation so poisoned by empty and false religion, the Holy Spirit wrote in 1 Peter chapter 1: “[18] Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:….” First John 1:7: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Revelation 12:11 speaks of believing Israel in the last days: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” As Satan is cast down to Earth during the latter half of the Tribulation period, the only overcoming will be in Christ’s blood and Word!

Colossians 2:14,15: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” Romans 5:9: “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

Indeed, nothing but the blood….

Nothing But the Blood #3

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

Today’s Scripture highlights the third verse of Robert Lowry’s 1876 hymn, “Nothing But the Blood.”

“Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

Our flesh wants to do something… anything! The old man, sin nature, believes he can offer God something that He will accept. Hence, religion is so popular—“But don’t I have to do something?!” Even as Bible-believing Christians, those who have trusted Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour, we have to be on guard not to be “religiously-minded.” God only gave one religion (Judaism) and He gave it to Israel. At the heart of Mosaic-Law worship were animal blood sacrifices. For 1,500 years, the LORD God taught Israel that shed blood, not their good works, would fully address their sin problem.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Sin brings death (spiritual and physical). The answer to death is life. Where shall we find life? Today’s Scripture says, “the life of the flesh is in the blood.” Life is in the blood! “The blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” When blood would be shed, there would be a binding of sinful souls to God. Those animal sacrifices pictured Jesus Christ’s future sacrifice of Himself!

Hebrews chapter 10 looks back: “[4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins…. [8] Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; [9] Then said he [Christ], Lo, I come to do thy will, O [Father] God. He taketh away the first [covenant], that he may establish the second. [10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

Nothing but the blood indeed….

Saints, please remember us in your monthly giving. You can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux, or email me at arcministries@gmail.com. Do not forget about Bible Q&A booklets for sale at https://arcgraceministries.org/in-print/booklets-bible-q-a/. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! 🙂

Nothing But the Blood #2

Monday, May 7, 2018

“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

Today’s Scripture highlights the second verse of Robert Lowry’s 1876 hymn, “Nothing But the Blood.”

“For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

The God of Israel “pardoneth iniquity.” Why? He “passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage.” Why? He “retaineth not his anger for ever.” Why? How can He do these things? “He delighteth in mercy.” The God of the Bible is compassionate. Furthermore, He actually takes pleasure in holding back what we sinners deserve! How will He accomplish this? The Prophet Micah does not have the complete picture. All he can say is that wicked Israel, facing divine judgment (the fifth course of chastisement—the Babylonian captivity), will be forgiven one day. The LORD God will not be eternally angry at Israel!

In his Book, Micah also speaks of the (yet future) Tribulation period and violent, wrathful Second Coming of Christ. Despite that destruction, the Holy Spirit allows Micah to see Israel’s ultimate pardon. While there will be fury, there will also be mercy. God will hold back what sinful Israel deserves. How can He be fair, and yet not punish them to the extent that they deserve? With the revelation of the mystery, the Pauline revelation, now we see. It is on the basis of Christ’s shed blood!

Returning to Romans chapter 3, part of God’s Word to Paul: “[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;….” The “remission [forgiveness] of sins that are past” (cf. Hebrews 9:22b)—the cleansing of Israel’s sins—is found in the cross of Christ.

Nothing but the blood indeed….

Nothing But the Blood #1

Sunday, May 6, 2018

“…and without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22b KJV).

Today’s Scripture highlights the first verse of Robert Lowry’s 1876 hymn, “Nothing But the Blood.”

“What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

When evangelizing, sharing the Gospel of the Grace of God with others, it is tantamount for the Christian to get right to the heart of the matter. The existence of sin should be pointed out at the earliest possible moment. No matter what religion the prospective convert is, he or she has a sin problem. Rather than saying, “This is wrong,” or “That is errant,” inquire, “What are you going to do with your sin?”

They can argue with us about history, theology, holy books, characters and countries, but they cannot deny their sin problem. We thus ask, “How are you going to take care of your sins?” Such a profound question reaches the very depths of that precious soul. Perhaps never has this person realized their terrible eternal fate! No world religion has a dependable answer. Why? Religion, no matter its name, emphasizes some works on the individual’s part. It is quite fearful to realize you cannot help yourself! Christianity, however, reaches beyond our feeble (failing!) attempts to please God.

Sin stains and divides the human soul, but Jesus Christ’s shed blood cleanses and binds it! Romans chapter 3 declares that glorious message: “[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; [26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. [27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. [28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

Nothing but the blood of Christ indeed….

Benjamin Sustains in Famine

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

“And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God: If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses: But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so” (Genesis 42:18-20 KJV).

Can we find a New Testament parallel to this account?

A severe famine has struck the land of Canaan (see Genesis 41:53–42:20). In desperation, Jacob sends 10 of his sons to buy food in Egypt (the River Nile was a near constant water source here). When they arrive, a man in Egypt (Joseph—their estranged brother in disguise) decides to test them. They are to return to Canaan and retrieve their other brother, young Benjamin, if they are to be fed with Egypt’s grain. Without Benjamin, Israel will physically starve! Ultimately, they eat because of Benjamin (Genesis 43:15-17).

Israel’s spiritual fall—a spiritual famine—occurred in Acts chapter 7 with the stoning of Stephen. Paul the Apostle is converted and commissioned in chapter 9, with his ministry gradually strengthening. From chapter 15 onward, the 12 Apostles have a restricted ministry. According to Galatians chapter 2, they give all the “heathen” over to Paul’s jurisdiction. The “heathen” here would be all unsaved—both Gentiles and Jews (all without Jesus Christ). Paul is to preach his Gospel of Grace to convert them into the Body of Christ, and save them from spiritual damnation.

Once God had temporarily set aside national Israel, and her 12 Apostles released themselves from their obligation of going to her any further with the Gospel of the Kingdom, Paul began evangelizing those unsaved Jews. Israel’s only hope now is in Paul’s Gospel—his grace ministry and message. How does this relate to today’s Scripture? Well, Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin (Romans 11:1; Philippians 3:5). From mid-Acts onward, Israel is getting spiritual bread, the Word of God, from Benjamin. Since her program was paused, momentarily suspended, her only hope at spiritual sustenance and life was in the message of a man from the tribe of Benjamin! Fascinating!

Vapour!

Monday, April 23, 2018

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14 KJV).

A “vapour”—as in a mist or gas—may change into a solid or liquid. Likewise, our earthly life “vanisheth away!”

Dear friends, we never know when death will come, but we do need to prepare for it. It was never part of God’s original creation: the entrance of sin caused death. Adam’s rebellion originated the curse of sin, including death (see Genesis 3:1-24). Never blame God for what Adam did. Now, someone asks, “How can God punish us for something Adam did? Why do we have to suffer because of Adam?” This is best answered by seeing the other side of the issue.

God provided a way to escape the penalty of sin. In addition to physical death, there are also a spiritual death and the second death. Spiritual death is the soul’s separation from God during earthly living—this, however, can be rectified through faith in the Gospel. The second death is eternal (permanent) separation from God in the Lake of Fire. We sinners deserve this most horrible spiritual prison. However, God became a Man, Jesus Christ, who died for (to pay for) our sins. If we complain God punishes us because of Adam’s actions, then we might as well protest God justifying us because of Christ’s actions. See, it balances. Just as Adam is the federal head of sinners, so Jesus Christ is the federal head of saints. Romans 5:12-21 is interesting reading on the subject—the two federal heads, their activities, and their effects.

First Corinthians 15:3-4: “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:….” Acts 16:30-31: “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

Our latest Bible Q&A: “How are the Beast and the False Prophet ‘cast alive’ into the Lake of Fire?”

How to Know Jesus Christ

Saturday, April 7, 2018

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4 KJV).

Friend, have you ever wondered how to know Jesus Christ?

We all have an innate longing for someone or something beyond us. One philosopher said, “There is a God-shaped hole in every human heart.” If you want, spend your whole life studying various world religions. You can look, and look, and look even more—traveling far and wide, reading all sorts of texts found in numerous and sundry languages. Everyone, you will discover, agrees that at least one “higher power” or “supreme being” exists. Some argue for myriads of gods or goddesses (polytheism); three spiritual systems declare one God (the monotheistic systems—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam).

Whatever religion you choose to follow, you will notice that works are demanded: your performance is vital to being “set right” with that higher power or supreme being. Here, you encounter more difficulties than you imagined. The harder you attempt to do right, the more you fail and more miserable you become. Right? Find religious rules and regulations, and throw all away except one. Forget juggling numerous commandments—try keeping one. When you fail with that one, you need not bother to keep the rest. You are already condemned to Hell!

Religion, a performance-based acceptance system, points out human frailty and failure. The Holy Bible titles this imperfection “SIN.” It may come as a shock to you, dear friend, but you are not perfect! You are a sinner. The God of Judaism and Christianity already knew that—long before you were born and failed so miserably. In His unfathomable love, tender mercy, and abounding grace; He became a Man, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die to pay for those sins (today’s Scripture). Yea, Christ died for every last one of your sins. Once His rich, royal, sinless blood was shed, He was buried. Then, He resurrected in great power, victorious over sin and death! Do you believe that in your heart? Do you trust His finished crosswork at Calvary as sufficient payment for your sins?

333’s 2500th – The Same Commit Thou to Faithful Men

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2 KJV).

To the praise of the glory of Father God’s grace, we have (finally) arrived at our 2500th daily study! 🙂

My dear readers, can you fathom that we began “333 Words of Grace” nearly seven years ago?! Since then, some of you have moved to Heaven; others have left to apostatize. Yet, we are here, still moving right along in the grace edification process. We pray for you upon every remembrance. Thank you for all your prayerful and financial support. We could not have undertaken this without your help!

For the last 2,500 days, we have feasted upon the rightly divided Word of God. While we have yet to cover the whole Bible, we have reviewed large portions and grown thereby. We better understand the Gospel of Grace—how to be saved from sins and Hell unto eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Also, we have a firmer grasp of how the Christian life operates (Colossians 2:6,7). Moreover, we better understand the nation Israel and God’s program for the Earth. We have all gained a much richer understanding and appreciation of the Holy Bible. It has been quite an intense learning experience, yes?

So, what happens now? After 2,500 devotionals, am I set to “retire?” God forbid!! Actually, if our Lord Jesus Christ tarries, we are prepared to go another 2,500 studies. Remember, there are many Bible verses we have not yet discussed. If we are to be experts in Scripture, we must continue studying it every single day. Otherwise, we are vulnerable to Satan’s evil world system.

The Apostle Paul’s intention in training young Timothy was for Timothy to then repeat the process by educating others with the same information (today’s Scripture). From the very beginning, our goal has been to guide you along in the King James Bible and the Grace Message so that you can do with others what we have done with you. Brethren, thank you for the privilege of letting me be your Bible teacher thus far…. Now, onward to #3000! 🙂

All 2,500 studies are archived here: https://333wordsofgrace.org/master-list-of-devotionals-chronological.

Saints, please remember us in your monthly giving. You can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux, or email me at arcministries@gmail.com. Do not forget about Bible Q&A booklets for sale at https://arcgraceministries.org/in-print/booklets-bible-q-a/. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! 🙂