This is the voice of unalterable truth. Not once in all the Old Testament ceremonies was a single sin removed without the shedding of blood. Not even symbolically. In no case, by no means, under no circumstances can sin be pardoned without atonement.

So it's clear: there is no hope for me outside of Christ. There is no other blood-shedding worth even considering as payment for sin. Am I, then, believing in him? Is the blood of his atonement truly applied to my soul?

Every person stands on level ground here. We all need him equally. You may be the most moral, generous, charming, or patriotic person who ever lived, but the rule will not bend for you. Not one inch. Sin will yield to nothing less powerful than the blood of the One whom God has put forward as our propitiation.

What a mercy that there is this one way of pardon! Why would we look for another? People who practice merely formal religion cannot understand how we can rejoice that all our sins are forgiven for Christ's sake. Their works, their prayers, their ceremonies give them such poor comfort. And they should be uneasy! They are ignoring the one great salvation and trying to get forgiveness without blood.

My soul, sit down. Look hard at the justice of God that must punish sin. See that punishment, every last stroke of it, falling on your Lord Jesus. Then fall down in humble joy and kiss the dear feet of him whose blood has paid your debt.

When your conscience screams at you, it's useless to run to your feelings or look for evidence of your goodness. That's a habit we picked up in Egypt, when we were slaves to the law. The only cure for a guilty conscience is to look at Jesus suffering on the cross. "The blood is the life," says Leviticus. And be sure of this: it is the life of faith, the life of joy, the life of every holy grace.

"Oh! how sweet to view the flowing Of my Savior's precious blood; With divine assurance knowing He has made my peace with God."