ARE YOU WASHED IN THE BLOOD?

From time to time, we sing the song with the above title. It asks a vital question that every person must answer. If you have not been washed in the blood, you have not been redeemed, for “redemption is through His blood,” (Ephesians 1:7). If you are not washed in the blood, you are still in your sins, because forgiveness is also through His blood (Ephesians 1:7). If you die without being washed in His blood, you cannot live with God in heaven for the ones in heaven are: “...the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:14). So each one must ask and answer “Am I washed in the blood of the Lamb?”

Not If You Are An Unbeliever
“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). The unbeliever will die in his sins. His only hope is to give up his unbelief and turn to Christ’s blood for remission. If he does not, he must be doomed forever.

Not If You Are Not Penitent
Jesus came to save people from their sins, not in their sins (Matthew 1:21). The blood removes the guilt of sin only for those who cease the practice of sin. Jesus says in Luke 13:3, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. John 3:16 tells us that God gave His Son that the world might not perish. Since God gave His Son that the world might not perish, but those who refuse to repent will perish, it is obvious that the impenitent have not been washed in the blood. If you have not repented of your sins, then you are not washed in the blood.

Not If You Have Not Confessed Christ
“For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10: 10). If confession is essential to salvation, and it is, then confession is necessary in order to be washed in the blood, since salvation is by the blood. If not, why not? If you have never confessed Christ, you are not washed in the blood.

Not If You Have Not Been Baptized
The people in Acts 2:38 were told to “be baptized for the remission of sins.” Baptism stood between them and the remission of sins, but remission of sins is through the blood; therefore, baptism stood between them and the blood. We are “baptized into His death.” “We are buried with Him THROUGH BAPTISM INTO DEATH,” (Romans 6:3-4). Baptism stands between one and the death of Christ, or the merits of His blood. Therefore, baptism stands between one and the blood of Christ. If you have never been baptized for the remission of your sins, you are not washed in the blood.

Not If You Are Not In The Lord’s Church
Christ died for the church (Ephesians 5:25). He purchased the church with His blood (Acts 20:28). If you are not in His church, you are not bought by the blood. If you are not bought by the blood, you are not saved by (or washed in) His blood.

Looking to God’s word as the standard, are you washed in the blood?
--Lamar

STRENGTH FOR LIVING

STRENGTH FOR LIVING

Over the last several months, we have been dealing with a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety because of the economic situation. Even in these difficult times, most of us are greatly blessed, compared with the rest of the world. However, there is still a great feeling of insecurity. Security and strength for living cannot be found in material things.

If security and strength are not to be found in material things, where are they? We can find the answer in Isaiah 30:15. "For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not."
Jerusalem was being threatened and the people wanted strength and security. They were making alliances with other nations, hoping these would ward off invasion, and thereby give them strength and security. Isaiah knew these alliances would not bring safety. He tells them where it could be found. He points out two things that are necessary: quietness and confidence. Here in simple words we find the formula for security.

Quietness
Most of us know little or nothing of quietness of life. We are always in a hurry. We may not know where we are going, but we have to get there in a hurry. Even when we are at home, we have to have the television or some other noisemaker going. This could well be described as the age of noise. This is without a doubt one of the reasons for our insecurity. We need to learn to be quiet. Quietness turns our minds toward God. The Psalmist said, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10). Quietness and stillness cause sober reflection, and sober thinking leads the mind to God. The quiet person comes to realize that God is the source of strength and security.

Confidence
This is the second part of Isaiah’s formula for strength and security, and he gives them in the proper order. The person that has confidence in God is the one who meditates; the one who is thoughtful. No one can shut himself off from the world, and in with God, without it leading to confidence or trust in Him. The imprint of His hand is upon all that He has made. That hand has never lost a battle, nor failed in its purpose. When this is felt deep down in the soul, it brings confidence; for when I believe this, if I am a Christian, I know that hand holds me and all will be well.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Philippians 4:6-7 - 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Do you want more security in your life? Insert some quietness in your life and place your confidence in God rather than self or material things.
--Lamar

WE NEED MORE BEREANS

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). Paul is on his second missionary journey and has traveled from Thessalonica to Berea. Luke, in this verse, commends the Bereans as more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica. Why?

First, they were good listeners. They received the word. One of the more difficult abilities to develop is that of being a good listener. Jesus warned of the danger of hearing while not hearing (Matthew 13:14). Good communication involves both good talking and good listening. If I do not listen well to what you are saying, how well you say it makes little difference. Sometimes people complain that they got little from the worship service. Sometimes it may be a true statement. However, the next time you start to make such a statement ask yourself, “How well was I listening?”

Second, they were open minded. They received the word with all readiness. They were honest enough to accept the truth when convinced it was the truth. Have you ever heard anyone say, “I know what the Bible says, but I just don’t believe it?” They lack an open mind. We should never close our minds, but always be willing to make an honest examination. We must be careful not to be so open minded that we accept anything without honest examination. You should never be so open minded that your brains fall out. Open mindedness and caution go together. The truth has nothing to fear from open, honest study and inquiry. We should look for the facts, face the facts, and then follow the facts.

Third, they examined what they were taught by the Scriptures. They searched the Scriptures daily. They did not just accept what they were taught. They checked it out with God’s word. The word “search” means to “examine up or through, from the bottom to the top.” The Greek word for “read” means to know exactly. That is why Jesus was able to ask the Pharisees in Matthew 12, “Have you not read?” They had looked at the Scriptures, but they had not read them. Do we read to know exactly what the Bible teaches or do we just look at it?
--Lamar