Drawn Near: The Power of Christ's Blood

 

Summary

In Christ Jesus, we who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. This nearness is a profound privilege, a gateway to divine glory, and it hinges on two pivotal truths: our union with Christ and the cleansing power of His atoning blood. Our federal union with Christ, ordained before the foundation of the world, leads to a vital, living union through faith. This union is as real and efficient as a branch in a vine, drawing life from the stem. Being one with Christ means being as near to God as Christ Himself, for He is ever near to God in character, acceptance, and person.

The blood of Christ is the symbol of the covenant, the ground of our approach to God. It signifies the removal of sin, the suffering, and the death of Jesus, which is the foundation of our nearness to God. This nearness is not achieved through Christ's incarnation, resurrection, or second coming, but through His crucifixion. The cross is where justice and mercy meet, where sin is fully punished and pardoned. It is the blood of Christ that seals the covenant and draws us near to God.

This nearness is illustrated through biblical examples: Adam's communion with God in Eden, the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, and the degrees of access to God on Mount Sinai. Each example shows the progression from distance to nearness, culminating in the ultimate nearness we have in Christ. We are not merely brought near as priests or Israelites but as those who stand in Christ, as near to God as the great High Priest Himself.

Our nearness to God is realized in conversion, restoration, prayer, praise, baptism, and communion. It is a nearness that should transform our lives, leading us to live in the power of this union, to exercise faith, and to maintain a behavior befitting our high position. As those brought near by the blood of Christ, we are called to walk in holiness, reflecting the glory of God in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. Union with Christ: Our nearness to God is rooted in our union with Christ, a union that is both federal and vital. This union is as real as a branch in a vine, drawing life from the stem. Being one with Christ means being as near to God as Christ Himself, for He is ever near to God in character, acceptance, and person. [03:04]

2. The Power of the Blood: The blood of Christ is the symbol of the covenant, the ground of our approach to God. It signifies the removal of sin, the suffering, and the death of Jesus, which is the foundation of our nearness to God. This nearness is not achieved through Christ's incarnation, resurrection, or second coming, but through His crucifixion. [06:49]

3. Illustrations of Nearness: Biblical examples, such as Adam's communion with God in Eden and the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, illustrate the progression from distance to nearness. These examples culminate in the ultimate nearness we have in Christ, as those who stand in Him, as near to God as the great High Priest Himself. [17:04]

4. Realization of Nearness: Our nearness to God is realized in conversion, restoration, prayer, praise, baptism, and communion. It is a nearness that should transform our lives, leading us to live in the power of this union, to exercise faith, and to maintain a behavior befitting our high position. [44:55]

5. Living in Nearness: As those brought near by the blood of Christ, we are called to walk in holiness, reflecting the glory of God in our lives. This nearness should lead us to exercise faith, maintain integrity, and live in a manner that glorifies God. [49:48]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to Nearness
- [00:34] - The Two Pivots: In Christ and By the Blood
- [01:23] - Federal and Vital Union with Christ
- [02:48] - The Reality of Being in Christ
- [03:39] - Nearness Through Christ's Character and Acceptance
- [04:37] - The Power of the Blood of Christ
- [05:57] - The Significance of Christ's Death
- [07:07] - The Cross: The Ground of Our Nearness
- [08:46] - The Essential Truth of Christ's Sacrifice
- [11:29] - Illustrations of Nearness: Adam and Israel
- [17:04] - Degrees of Access on Mount Sinai
- [24:17] - The Ultimate Nearness in Christ
- [44:55] - Realizing Our Nearness to God
- [49:48] - Living in the Power of Nearness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 2:13 (KJV): "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."

Observation Questions:
1. What are the two pivotal truths mentioned in the sermon that bring us near to God? ([00:34])
2. How does the sermon describe our union with Christ? What analogy is used to explain this union? ([02:48])
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the blood of Christ in our approach to God? ([04:37])
4. What biblical examples are used in the sermon to illustrate the progression from distance to nearness to God? ([11:29])

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "in Christ" change the believer's relationship with God, according to the sermon? ([03:04])
2. Why does the sermon emphasize the crucifixion of Christ over His resurrection or second coming as the foundation of our nearness to God? ([06:49])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of faith in realizing our nearness to God? How is this faith described? ([02:16])
4. How does the sermon interpret the biblical examples of Adam and the Israelites in relation to our nearness to God? ([11:48])

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal understanding of being "in Christ." How does this understanding affect your daily walk with God? ([03:04])
2. The sermon highlights the importance of the blood of Christ in our spiritual journey. How can you remind yourself of this truth in your daily life? ([04:37])
3. Consider the biblical examples of nearness to God mentioned in the sermon. Which example resonates with you the most, and why? ([11:29])
4. The sermon calls us to live in holiness as a reflection of our nearness to God. What specific steps can you take this week to walk in holiness? ([49:48])
5. How can you incorporate the practice of prayer and praise into your routine to realize your nearness to God more fully? ([44:55])
6. The sermon mentions the transformation that comes with nearness to God. In what areas of your life do you desire transformation, and how can you seek God's help in these areas? ([44:55])
7. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take, or can you take, to draw near to Him again? ([44:40])

Devotional

Day 1: Union with Christ: A Living Connection
Our nearness to God is deeply rooted in our union with Christ, a union that is both federal and vital. This union is as real and efficient as a branch in a vine, drawing life from the stem. Being one with Christ means being as near to God as Christ Himself, for He is ever near to God in character, acceptance, and person. This profound connection was ordained before the foundation of the world and becomes a living reality through faith. As believers, we are called to live in the power of this union, allowing it to transform our lives and draw us closer to God. [03:04]

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively abide in Christ today, allowing His life to flow through you and bear fruit in your daily interactions?


Day 2: The Cleansing Power of Christ's Blood
The blood of Christ is the symbol of the covenant and the ground of our approach to God. It signifies the removal of sin, the suffering, and the death of Jesus, which is the foundation of our nearness to God. This nearness is not achieved through Christ's incarnation, resurrection, or second coming, but through His crucifixion. The cross is where justice and mercy meet, where sin is fully punished and pardoned. It is the blood of Christ that seals the covenant and draws us near to God. [06:49]

Hebrews 9:14 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you feel distant from God. How can you invite the cleansing power of Christ's blood into that area today?


Day 3: Illustrations of Nearness: From Distance to Intimacy
Biblical examples, such as Adam's communion with God in Eden and the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, illustrate the progression from distance to nearness. These examples culminate in the ultimate nearness we have in Christ, as those who stand in Him, as near to God as the great High Priest Himself. This journey from distance to intimacy with God is a central theme in the Bible, showing us that through Christ, we are brought into a close relationship with God. [17:04]

Exodus 33:11 (ESV): "Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent."

Reflection: Reflect on your own journey with God. What steps can you take to move from a place of distance to a deeper intimacy with Him?


Day 4: Realizing Our Nearness to God
Our nearness to God is realized in conversion, restoration, prayer, praise, baptism, and communion. It is a nearness that should transform our lives, leading us to live in the power of this union, to exercise faith, and to maintain a behavior befitting our high position. As believers, we are called to recognize and embrace this nearness, allowing it to shape our daily lives and interactions with others. [44:55]

James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Reflection: How can you intentionally draw near to God today in a way that transforms your heart and actions?


Day 5: Living in the Power of Nearness
As those brought near by the blood of Christ, we are called to walk in holiness, reflecting the glory of God in our lives. This nearness should lead us to exercise faith, maintain integrity, and live in a manner that glorifies God. Our daily lives should be a testament to the transformative power of being near to God, as we seek to reflect His character and love to the world around us. [49:48]

1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

Reflection: Identify one specific area in your life where you can better reflect God's holiness. What practical steps can you take today to align your conduct with His character?

Quotes

The blood of Christ is the symbol of the covenant, the ground of our approach to God. It signifies the removal of sin, the suffering, and the death of Jesus, which is the foundation of our nearness to God. This nearness is not achieved through Christ's incarnation, resurrection, or second coming, but through His crucifixion. [00:04:40]

The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ is expressly called the blood of the Everlasting Covenant for God comes in Covenant near To Us by the blood of his only begotten son every man whose Faith rests upon the blood of Jesus slain from before the foundation of the world is in Covenant with God. [00:05:04]

We are brought nigh to God especially and particularly by a crucified savior pouring out his life's blood for us beloved it is well just to note this well-known Doctrine because there are some teachers and I doubt not very excellent men too who seem not to be of Paul's mind. [00:06:46]

Let It Be never forgotten that while we bless Emmanuel God With Us for his Incarnation and we joyfully perceive that even our Lord's birth in human flesh brought man near to God while we thank and praise the Man of Sorrows for his Divine example and we see that this is a blessed help to us practically to advance towards our heavenly father. [00:08:00]

We are not made nigh to God by the Incarnation we are not in very deed made nigh to God by the resurrection nor by the second Advent but we are made nigh by the blood of Christ the first the grandest the highest the most essential Truth for us to lay hold of and to preach is the fact that Jesus Christ died for our sakes. [00:08:41]

God is glorified because Christ was punished for the sin of his people love hath its full but law hath its due on the cross we see sin fully punished and yet fully pardoned we see Justice with her gleaming sword triumphant and mercy with her silver scepter regnant in sublimest splendor glory be to the wondrous wisdom. [00:09:19]

Beloved you thus see that we are made nigh because the blood of Christ has sealed a covenant between us and God and has forever taken away the sin which separated us from God experimentally we are brought nigh by the application of the blood to our conscience we see that sin is pardoned and Bless The God Who has saved us in so admirable a manner. [00:10:34]

The great attracting load Stone of the Gospel is the doctrine of the Cross to preach the atoning sacrifice of Jesus is the shortest and shest way under God's holy spirit to draw those that are far off mentally and spiritually very near un to God thus have I dwelt upon those two key words upon which the text seems to me to hinge. [00:11:13]

The blood brings us near in another sense because it is the taking away of the sin which separated us when we read the word blood as in the text it means mortal suffering we are made nigh by the griefs and agonies of the Redeemer the shedding of blood indicates pain loss of energy loss of Health Comfort happiness but it goes farther still the term blood signifies death. [00:05:37]

We are experimentally and in our own Souls drawn and attracted to God by the blood of Jesus the great attracting load Stone of the Gospel is the doctrine of the Cross to preach the atoning sacrifice of Jesus is the shortest and shest way under God's holy spirit to draw those that are far off mentally and spiritually very near un to God. [00:10:34]

We are brought nigh to God especially and particularly by a crucified savior pouring out his life's blood for us beloved it is well just to note this well-known Doctrine because there are some teachers and I doubt not very excellent men too who seem not to be of Paul's mind when he said God forbid that I should Glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. [00:06:46]

The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ is expressly called the blood of the Everlasting Covenant for God comes in Covenant near To Us by the blood of his only begotten son every man whose Faith rests upon the blood of Jesus slain from before the foundation of the world is in Covenant with God and that Covenant becomes to him most sure and certain because it has been ratified by the blood of Jesus Christ. [00:05:04]

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Transcript
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