Introduction:
Today, we find many people who are very close to the Cross and to Jesus; however, they are no different than someone who has never heard of the Cross or Jesus. You see, just like those who have never heard, they are not under the Blood of Christ! You may ask, “Why do you have to be under the Blood?” The Bible clearly answer this in Hebrews 9:22. There It tells us that “An almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. Remission is forgiveness of your sins. You can be as close to the Cross or Jesus as you want; but unless you sins are coverd by His blood, they will never be forgiven!! Unless you sins are forgiven, you cannot go to heaven!
Let us look at three people in this passage who were close to the Cross and Jesus but were far from being under the blood!
1. TheThieves Condition (vs. 27)
A. He was a sinner (Romans 3:23)
No one who question that he was a sinner!
B. He was paying for His sins.
No payment we make for our sins will ever get
them forgiven! (Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8)
2. The Chief Priest’s and Scribes Religion (vs.
31-32)
A. It was a religion of Lies (Mark 7:5-6)
B. It was a religion of Works
Works has never and will never save
anyone! (Ephesians 2:8-9)
3. The Centurion’s Position (vs. 39)
A. In the Bible times, many positions were granted based on your family you were born
into. Jesus was a carpenter because His
father was one. The priests were priest
because they were of the tribe of Levi.
The rulers were rulers because they were
born into the ruling family. Quite possibly
the centurion’s job was the same way!
B. Many people today think that because there
family went to church or was a Christian,
that makes them a Christian! The only
thing that make you a Christian is by
trusting Christ as your personnal Saviour.
Conclusion:
Today, you no longer have to be close to the Cross but far from the blood! You can be like the thief who asked Christ to remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. Just like that day on the cross, Jesus will always accept anyone who turns to Him as there only way to heaven! (John 14:6; 6:37+39) Will you turst Christ as your only way to heaven or continue to try your own way! The choice is yours! He waits with open arms! If only you will come, He will save you!
