Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness/remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22), because the life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). Therefore, the atoning power of the blood of the Lamb of God can only be found in His death. Without Christ’s blood being sprinkled on our evil consciences and our bodies washed with pure water (Hebrews 10:22), we are not justified before God.
How, then, can one possibly benefit from Christ’s death? The blood He shed at Calvary cannot be recovered from the wood and soil on which it was shed. How and when is it possible to receive the blessings of Christ’s atonement?
Romans 6:3 categorically answers this most urgent question: “as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death.” Ignorance of this answer is utterly inexcusable. Rejection of this answer is obvious folly. Acceptance and application of this answer is exactly what Paul himself did.
When Ananias of Damascus said to him, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16), “he arose and was baptized” (Acts 9:18). He was baptized into Christ Jesus; he was baptized into His death.
This man from Tarsus was no longer guilty of his blasphemy, persecution, and violent arrogance (1 Timothy 1:13); this chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) had been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Where sin had abounded in Paul’s life, grace now abounded more. The reign of sin was over; the reign of God’s amazing grace had begun. He had been delivered from the power of darkness and conveyed into the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13).
He had been born again (John 3:3, 5).
Have you?
