Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22).
When Jesus spoke about his impending death, Peter was dumbfounded. He took Jesus aside and rebuked him.
What was Peter thinking? Who in their right mind rebukes the Son of the living God? Peter, that's who. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" (Matthew 16:22).
This brought a swift response from the Lord. "Get behind me Satan!" (Matthew 16:23).
Peter didn't understand why Jesus had to die. It made no sense to him. The other disciples were just as confused. Why did Jesus have to die? It was a puzzling question. Sometimes it is for us as well. We need to have the right perspective. We need to "have in mind the concerns of God," not "merely human concerns" (verse 23). Jesus's death was part of God's plan. Without it there is no forgiveness of sins. The writer of Hebrews stated this truth clearly: "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22).
What can we take from this? First, God desires to forgive. He doesn't want you to face the judgment and the penalty your sins deserve. Second, Christ was willing to carry out the desire of his Father. Consider these words: "Then I said, 'Here I am - it is written about me in the scroll - I have come to do your will, My God" (Hebrews 10:7).
Jesus died to do the will of his Father. His death delivered forgiveness to you. There was no other way.
Hebrews 9:22 is a foundational verse. It answers the "why" of the cross. Everything about forgiveness is built on top of it. If you haven't done so, mark this verse in your Bible. When you struggle, remember Christ shed his blood for you. That means there is forgiveness of sins. And in Christ, you already have it. The death of Jesus Christ is the way of forgiveness.
Taken from: SIMPLE GOSPEL, SIMPLY GRACE, Copyright ©2015 by Bob Christopher, Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97402, www.harvesthousepublishers.com
In Him,
Bob Christopher