THE VERSE
How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.~Hebrews 9:14
THE THOUGHT
On Friday, we learned the glorious truth that Christ died to cleanse our conscience in order that we could serve the living God. But how does this happen? What is the relationship between a clean conscience and a heart eager to serve God?Guilt tends to smother our desire to do right by reinforcing a cycle of regret and shame. A day of failure to walk with God leads to a hesitancy to approach Him in prayer or to step out in bold faith or servanthood. That hesitancy reinforces itself by compounding guilt, which then leads to more lack of prayer and service, resulting in a vicious cycle of shame that pulls us away from God and others. Think about it: after committing a sin, do you feel more or less comfortable talking to God, or serving your family, or sharing your faith with a neighbor?
The blood of Jesus is what breaks this vicious cycle. His blood purifies our consciences from the dead works that weigh us down with guilt, and points us back to God, who “demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” His blood demonstrates the true repulsiveness of sin—not just that it makes us feel bad, but that it cost the Son of God His life. His blood assures us of full, continuing, free pardon—He has forgiven us all our sin and cleansed us from everything that would keep us from boldly entering His presence. And His blood fills us with new appreciation, gratitude, and hope to keep fighting for holiness and to keep pouring yourself out in service to others, imitating Christ who poured Himself out for you.
THE PRAYER
Jesus, Thank you for the cross. Help me to walk in daily, humble repentance, awed by the cost of Your great mercy that You have freely lavished on me. Cleanse my guilty conscience from dead works, restore to me the joy of Your salvation, open my eyes to see You clearly crucified and risen for me, and help me to serve in the strength of Your gospel, making much of You, my Savior and King.EXTENDED READING
Hebrews 9:11-14Hebrews 10:19-22
Romans 5:1-11
Psalm 51:7-17
THE QUOTE
“God’s power to forgive is greater than your power to sin.” ~Brother GilesTHROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Nehemiah 10Proverbs 13:1-12
Luke 18:9-17
2 Timothy 4:1-8
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