The Blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin

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Continuing with last Sunday's message:

There are few Christian precepts that raise the hackles of the luke warm like talking about the physical sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

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. - I John 1: 7

There are two remedies to watered down gospel in that one verse. Sin, and the Blood of Jesus Christ that was sacrificed to deliver us from sin.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. - Hebrews 11:1-6

Faith is another irritant. The fact that salvation does not come from good works, or being a nice person, or being better than that other guy; flies in the face of what we would like to believe. We want a God that both grades on the curve, and is willing to forgive at the last minute for a final good deed.

It does not work that way. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Believing in God, or a wise Jesus as a good teacher is not enough. You must diligently seek God, and believe he will reward the search; he will. God will forgive at the last minute, if you get a chance, but only on his terms; the blood of Jesus.

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. - Romans 10: 8-10

Not balance, not good karma canceling out bad karma, not pleasing both God and man. Be cleansed of sin by Christ's blood sacrifice. Proclaim faith in the Lord Jesus and his death and resurrection. Move from darkness into light.

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. - I Peter 2: 1-10

Christ is offensive to those who will not believe. If you take your place in the family of God you will also be offensive to those that want you to join their fear of the absolute nature of God.

Satan believes in Jesus and fears him.

You are to fear God and live in his love.

...if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Jesus is Lord!

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