Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

Question:

Again, “It is said, the blood is always presented to God. Is there no application of the blood to us in Hebrews 10:22?” I have already spoken of Hebrews 10:22. I believe it to be a reference ― though not solely ― to the consecration of the priests of old. But the consecration of a priest is not the cleansing of a sinner. Besides, “blood” is not named in the passage at all, though doubtless alluded to, and, as I have noticed, the anointing with oil is passed over in silence. The priest was first washed with water ― typical of the new birth of the Word and Spirit of God; secondly, he was sprinkled with blood to consecrate him; and lastly, anointed with oil ― typical of the Holy Ghost’s anointing or seal.

Answer:

The blood has been presented to God by His Son. We may appropriate its value in any way that faith apprehends and lays hold of Christ. But it would be absurd to say that it was literally sprinkled on any one, and I am sure it is not. Faith sings, “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” Scripture also tells us that our consciences are purged through it. But all this is faith entering on the value of the once shed blood of Jesus.

Blood was literally sprinkled on people and things in the Old Testament ― never in the New. I have named the case of the leper, and the seal of the Old Covenant when the blood was sprinkled on the people, where certainly it was not for cleansing.

I do say, “Because of its value He sends out the water,” and rightly. For all the testimony of Scripture ― the Word, or water, and the gospel of God’s grace is founded on, and announced because of the value of the blood in the sight of God.