December 20 - The Ongoing Efficacy of Christ’s Blood

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22 (KJV)

The ancient sacrificial system included the solemn offering of a red heifer, taken outside the camp and there slain in a most striking manner. In similar fashion, Christ suffered outside the gates of the earthly city, His crucifixion taking place beyond its walls. This revealed that His sacrifice was not limited to one nation, but extended to all humanity. He calls the entire world to accept Him as Redeemer, offering the salvation He so freely provides. Once the red heifer was slain, the priest—clothed in pure white garments—caught the blood as it flowed from the victim and sprinkled it in the direction of the sanctuary seven times.

The body of the heifer was completely burned, reduced to ashes as a symbol of a thorough and comprehensive sacrifice. These ashes were carefully gathered by a person who had not been defiled by contact with death, and mixed with running water in a clean vessel. Using a branch of cedar, a piece of scarlet cloth, and a sprig of hyssop, the water and ashes were then sprinkled over the tent and upon the assembly. This ceremony was repeated multiple times, serving as a rite of purification from sin.

In like manner, Christ, in His spotless righteousness, after shedding His precious blood, entered the heavenly sanctuary to purify it. There, the crimson current of His atoning merits continually reconciles humanity with the living God. Some may regard these ancient rites as empty of meaning, but they were instituted by divine command and carry a depth of significance that still applies today.

The blood of Christ is fully effective, yet it must be applied without ceasing. If, in former times, the defiled were required to be cleansed through the sprinkling of sacrificial blood, how much more must those who now face the trials and temptations of these final days seek the daily application of Christ’s redeeming blood upon their hearts? His sacrifice purifies the conscience from dead works, enabling all to serve the living God wholeheartedly. Let us draw near, fully assured, that the same power which once sanctified with outward symbols now cleanses and renews within.