Introduction
According to the book "Our Flag," published by the House of Representatives, "The colors red, white, and blue did not have meanings for The Stars and Stripes when it was adopted in 1777." It goes on to say, that the colors of the
Great Seal of the United States, when it was adopted in
1782, were defined thus: "White signifies Purity and
Innocence; Red, Hardiness and Valor; Blue signifies
Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice."
Well, what time we have together this evening, I would like for us to consider the Red, White and Blue of the Gospel message:
Read Hebrews 9…
1. The RED: The Blood
a. It’s provision to FREE: (Verse 22) Remission = liberty, pardon, deliverance, forgiveness, freedom
b. Red on our flag represents Valor. Just what is “valor”? Definition: boldness or determination in facing great danger, esp. in battle; heroic courage; bravery:
c. The blood of Jesus Christ stained the cross and the ground around it with red. It is through His blood that we have liberty from our sins. His blood sets us free.
2. The WHITE:
a. White in our flag represents Purity and Innocence.
b. Our “robe of righteousness” is said to be white in Revelation 7. Isaiah 61:10(10) I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
c. The power of the Blood to CLEANSE:(verse 22 [purged = cleansed]; 23 [purified = same exact root word as “purged”]
d. READ 1 John 1:5-10.
e. Like TIDE, “Christ’s in – Sin’s Out”
3. The BLUE:
a. The Blue in the flag signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice. All of these point toward eternity.
b. The preparation (verse 24) “… for us.”!!!
c. For US!!! = in our behalf as our Advocate and Intercessor
i. ((Hebrews 7:25) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
ii. (Romans 8:34) Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
iii. 1 John 2:1-2(1) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:(2) And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
iv. It is enough that Jesus should show Himself for us to the Father: (the sight of Jesus satisfied God in our behalf.) He brings before the face of God no offering which has exhausted itself, and, as only sufficing for a time, needs renewal; but He himself is in person, by virtue of the eternal Spirit, that is, the imperishable life of His person, now and for ever freed from death, our eternally present offering before God”
v. This suggests that He is, literally, introducing us to the Father. “Father, let me tell you about Mark… Let me tell you about Barbara… Let me tell you about …. Until He comes, He is introducing us to the Father.
Is Jesus’ blood important? YES! It is through His blood that we enjoy the Freedom (liberty) from sin. It is through His blood that we are cleansed from all sin. It is through His blood that we have the promise of Heaven.
Prayer and Invitation
