Nothing but the Blood of Jesus

Nothing but the Blood of Jesus

1 John 1:7

No gift God has given us is more important than the blood of Jesus Christ. The blood that Jesus shed on the cross provides forgiveness of our sins “The law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). His precious blood brings us close to God “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). His sinless blood has the power to cleanse us from all sin “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). His blood has power to heal us “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

“There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood” is one of the first hymns Cowper wrote after his first attack of temporary madness. He struggled with such despair and depression due to the harassment and failures he had encountered in his life. When he was ten he was sent to boarding school and there his suffering was added to by the cruelty of the older boys. After much difficulties he pursued his degree on law and passed the bar examinations. However in his nine years of law practice he never once felt worthy to serve people nor could he manage to attract business for himself. In 1759 he failed in his interrogation to become the Clerk of Journals in the British Parliament.  His seven years of love with his Cousin Theodora came to an end after her father opposed their marriage. The subsequent failures in his careers and in his personal life forced him to attempt suicide in three different ways. Because of his suicidal tendencies Cowper was confined, for a brief period, in St. Albans Asylum and, remarkably, it was during this time that his famous hymn was written. Dr. Nathaniel Cotton took care of the patients at that asylum. He was a believer in Christ, and God, in His mercy, was pleased to use him in Cowper’s conversion. Cowper found a Bible lying on a bench in the garden, about six months after he came to the asylum. He read John 11, and then Romans 3:25 “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.” This scriptural account of Christ's redeeming work touched Cowper's heart, causing him to later testify thus: 'There shone upon me the full beams of the sufficiency of the atonement that Christ has made; my pardon in His blood; the fullness and completeness of my justification and, in a moment, I believed and received the gospel.' These words have been used by the Holy Spirit to encourage many saints and a call to wayward sinners to find their peace with God which can only be found in that "fountain filled with blood, drawn from Immanuel's veins".

When evangelist John Wesley (1703–1791) was returning home from a service one night, he was robbed. The thief, however, found his victim to have only a little money and some Christian literature. As the bandit was leaving, Wesley called out, “Stop! I have something more to give you.” The surprised robber paused. “My friend,” said Wesley, “you may live to regret this sort of life. If you ever do, here’s something to remember: ‘The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin!’” The thief hurried away, and Wesley prayed that his words might bear fruit. Years later, Wesley was greeting people after a Sunday service when he was approached by a stranger. What a surprise to learn that this visitor, now a believer in Christ and a successful businessman, was the one who had robbed him years before! “I owe it all to you,” said the transformed man. “Oh no, my friend,” Wesley exclaimed, “not to me, but to the precious blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin!” John Wesley really did have something more to give the thief that night—the good news of salvation. And we have the same responsibility to share the gospel with those who cross our paths.

Jesus could never become our true Saviour until He was crucified and shed His precious blood on the cross. It is not His teaching and His life alone but His spotless blood that saves our soul (Hebrews 9:22).  Therefore, what can wash away our sin? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus! What can make us whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! Only the blood of Jesus that flow from the cross make us as white as snow.