“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
(Eph 2:13, NKJV)
The blood of Jesus has certain amazing advantages which He has “perfected” (Heb 5:9) for us. In concluding this section covering the complete implications of the blood of Jesus, there are many things “that accompany salvation” (Heb 6:9) which we need to take note of. Firstly – Col 1:20 makes this remarkable statement – “and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross”.
The shedding of the blood of Jesus made it possible for every part of the created universe to be reconciled with God. After the fall had contaminated everything with sin (Isa 53:6) it had fallen prey to decay and death (Rom 3:23) and became removed from God (Eph 2:14) – we became broken people in a broken world. All has become perverted; and if considered within the context of physics, we could say that all things are inclined to shift from a state of order to a state of disorder. This applies to all things both seen and unseen, as all things had originated in HIM – “for in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him” (Col 1:16). Indeed it is so – “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph 2:13).
Please note – it has only brought near, it has not been reconciled – as was discussed in an earlier teaching, the blood must first be applied for the reconciliation to take place. Thus “the word of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:19) has been entrusted to all in the New Covenant, and all have received “the ministry of reconciliation” (verse 18).
Underlying this truth about the blood of Jesus is this very important foundational teaching – God does not do anything outside of what He makes manifest through praying believers. This truth may sound as if it opposes God’s sovereignty, but this is not the case. As Dutch Sheets, in his Intercessory prayer, rightly asks – “Does a sovereign, all-powerful God need our involvement or not?”
A great part of Protestant dogma is directed by the sovereignty of God, and the perception that God can do as He pleases – He is after all the Ruler of the universe, the sole figure who decides, speaking and it being done (Ezek 12:28). Things are, however, much more complex than we think. Someone like the theologian Arthur Pink (in his The attributes of God) for example uses Rom 9:18 as proof that God can do whatever He wants, even though it may seem unfair to man – “Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.” From this perspective it does not seem as if one can have any say with God.
Yet we know this is not true. Why would Jesus have urged us to pray, if prayer cannot turn the heart of God, and influence his Will? Why pray at all if everything is only directed by the Will of God? We will discuss this matter in greater detail in the next teaching.
.Sela: Come to an understanding of how you consider yourself one of God’s “fellow workers” (1 Cor 3:9).
- Read: Lev 16; Neh 13; Isa 56
- Memorise: Isa 56:7 (note the synchronization!)
- For a deeper understanding: Read chapter 6 of Pink’s The attributes of God.
