Kent Bailey
In a careful study of the Scriptures one will in particular note that throughout the totality of the Bible there runs a scarlet thread. From the time that sin was brought into the garden of Eden, through the book of Revelation we note the specific message regarding that of the shedding of blood (Heb. 9:6-14; 18-22).
In Genesis 4:1-10 we read of blood in a different manner. Cain, being the first innovator was the first murderer and that he founded the wicked generation that eventually corrupted the entire world. The innovators and/or changers of God’s instruction always attempt to justify what they do. When individuals attempt to second guess God, rework his divine scheme, and invent their own system of heresy they end up as enemies of God and truth. In a fit of rage against the truth of God, Cain arose and killed his brother Abel. Whenever one departs from the truth of God, having previously known such, it creates hostility in the heart to the point of fits of anger and rage against any others who care enough about them to admonish them in truth.
The blood of Abel thus cried out from the ground because of the sin and rebellion directed against both God and his message of righteousness. The blood of Abel cried out from the ground unto God for vengeance (Gen. 4:10-13). Because Abel was a representative and defender of the truth of God he suffered the consequences of standing in opposition to those who are the enemies of truth. The blood of Abel cried out regarding the importance and necessity of loving and obeying God (Heb. 11:1-4).
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The blood of Abel cries forth that God will punish the crimes perpetrated against those who are innocent (Rom. 12:19; 13:1-4).
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The blood of Abel cries forth that those who are righteous are hated without cause (John 13:11-13).
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The blood of Abel cries out that it makes a difference as to how one seeks to worship God (John 4:23-24).
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The blood of Abel affirms that only a faith that leads one to obey God is the only means to God’s approval (Hebrews 11:6).
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The blood of Abel argues that the only ultimate righteousness is attained by obedience and faithfulness to the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16-17).
Within God’s scheme of Redemption the epistle to the Hebrews speaks with reference speaks with reference to two different bloods. Indeed such is the case that Abel’s blood does speak. However, the shedding of Abel’s blood did not and could not bring about that of remission or forgiveness of sin. Only the blood of Christ could and did bring the ultimate payment for the sins of humanity. Until the appropriate time the blood of innocent animals served as a temporary sacrifice for the sins of all accountable people (Heb. 9:11-17). Animal sacrifice was never considered by God as our ultimate and final sacrifice. Such has been accomplished only by the blood of Christ.
The blood of Christ thus speaks of better things than that of Abel (Heb. 12:24). The blood of sprinkling is the blood of forgiveness—that of he ultimate sacrifice of Christ. While Abel’s blood from the earth cried out for vengeance, the blood of Christ from the old rugged cross cried out for Salvation. The blood of Christ thus speaks of better things than that of Abel.
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The blood of Christ that speaks of better things speaks of the one true New Testament church (Acts 20:28). Because the church was purchased by the blood of Christ all members individually are blood bought (Rev. 5:9). Reconciliation occurs with the church of the Lord (Eph. 2:13-19). The church of Christ is a priesthood purchased by his blood (Heb. 10:19; Rev. 7:14-17).
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The blood that speaks of better things speaks of Salvation in Christ (Rom. 1:16-17; 3:24-25). We are baptized into the benefits of the death of Christ (Rom. 6:3-7). Therefore it is penitent having confessed believers who have been baptized for the remission of sins that constitute all of those who are saved (Acts 2:47; Col. 1:13-14).
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The blood of Christ that speaks of better things speaks of propitiation (1 John 2:2; 4:10; Eph. 1:7; Rev. 5:9).
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The blood of Christ that speaks of better things speaks regarding that of the forgiveness of our sins (Eph. 1:7; Matt. 26:28; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3-7; Gal. 3:27; 1 Cor. 12:13).
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The blood of Christ that speaks of better things speaks of access to Heaven (1 John 1:1-10; Heb. 9:14-15; 10:19; Rev. 12:11). The case being that Christ provided the means for Salvation from past alien sins; he also provides a means for cleansing from covenant sins as well as the means for eternal Salvation (Rev. 2:10; 12:11).
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The blood of Christ that speaks of better things speaks of our personal responsibility. Such speaks of the responsibility of service (Heb. 9:14). Such speaks of our worship (Rev. 22:6-9). Such speaks of the importance of our manner of living (Rev. 21:22-27).
The blood of Christ speaking better things than that of Abel indicates that there is a terrible consequence to rejecting its saving power (John 14:1-6). We also note that turning away from the saving power of the blood of Christ after obedience to the gospel also has terrible and eternal consequences (Heb. 10:28-29; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
God does not force redemption from sin upon any. However the neglect, rejection and/or repudiation of the blood of Christ has drastic and eternal consequences.
