The Laying On Of Hands

KEY VERSE:

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (Acts 14:3) 

INTRODUCTION 

The doctrine of the laying on of hands is the fourth principle in the foundations of the Christian faith. Laying on of hands is an act in which one person places his hands on the body of another person with a definite spiritual purpose. This laying on of hands is accompanied by prayer or prophecy.

 

THE OLD TESTAMENT RECORD 

Laying on of hands in the Old Testament was used for the following purposes: 

1. Transference of spiritual blessing or authority. [Transference means that something spiritual flows from the one laying on hands to the one he is touching.] 
2. Public confirmation of a spiritual blessing or authority received from God. 
3. Commitment to God for a special ministry. 

Three Old Testament examples illustrate these purposes of laying on of hands:

ISRAEL: 

Genesis 48 is the first record of the laying on of hands for spiritual benefit. Joseph brought his two sons, Ephriam and Manasseh, to his father to bless them: 

And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephriam's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the first born. (Genesis 48:14) 

The blessing of Jacob was transferred to his two grandsons by laying his hands upon their heads. 

LEVITES: 

The Levites were ordained by God to serve the congregation of Israel as spiritual leaders. In this position they represented the people before God. The laying on of hands was confirmation by the people of the Levite's authority before God: 

And thou shalt bring the Levites before the Lord; and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites. (Numbers 8:10) 

MOSES: 

As Moses approached the end of his earthly ministry, he asked the Lord to appoint a new leader over Israel: 

And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; 

And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. 

And thou shalt put some of thine honor upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. 

And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: 

And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses. (Numbers 27:18-20,22-23) 

The results that this laying on of hands produced in Joshua is recorded in Deuteronomy:

And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses. (Deuteronomy 34:9) 

Moses laying hands on Joshua was important both for Joshua and for the whole congregation of Israel. By this act, Moses transferred to Joshua a measure of the wisdom and honor which he had received from God. Moses also confirmed to the people God's selection of Joshua as the new leader. 

NEW TESTAMENT RECORD 

The New Testament records five general purposes for the laying on of hands.

 

SUPERNATURAL SIGNS: 

Jesus practiced laying on of hands in His ministry: 

...He laid His hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. (Mark 6:5) 

Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto Him; and He laid His hand on every one of them and healed them. (Luke 4:40) 

And He laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. (Luke 13:13) 

In His final message to the disciples at the close of His earthly ministry, Jesus listed supernatural signs which were to accompany the preaching of the Gospel: 

And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast out devils they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18) 

One of these supernatural signs was the laying on of hands through which God would heal the sick and perform other miracles. Mark 16:17-18 confirms that this practice was to continue after the end of Christ's earthly ministry. 

The laying on of hands in the name of Jesus is used to minister physical healing to the sick. The person who lays his hands on one who is sick transfers the supernatural healing power of God. Sometimes the sick person actually feels the power of God in his body. At other times there is no feeling at all, but this does not mean healing will not occur. The laying on of hands is an act of faith and obedience to God's Word. Its effectiveness does not depend on feeling.

The timing of healings vary. Sometimes complete healing is received instantly as soon as hands are laid on the sick. Other times healing comes gradually (Mark 8:22-25). It is important to instruct those seeking healing concerning the importance of maintaining faith until their healing is complete. 

The book of Acts records how God used the laying on of hands by believers to perform miraculous healings and other supernatural signs confirming His Word: 

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (Acts 14:3) 

And by the hands of the Apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people. (Acts 5:12) 

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hand on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me that thou mightest receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 9:17) 

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul. (Acts 19:11) 

And it came to pass that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and a bloody flux; to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid hands on him and healed him. (Acts 28:8) 

BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: 

Another purpose of laying on of hands is for baptism in the Holy Spirit. There are five examples recorded in the book of Acts of how people received baptism in the Holy Spirit. The first example is that of the disciples in the upper room in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. You can read about this in Acts 2:1-4. The other examples are of the new converts in Samaria in Acts 8:14-20; Saul of Tarsus in Acts 9:17; Cornelius and his family in Acts 10:44-46; and the disciples at Ephesus in Acts 19:1-6. 

In three of these examples those seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit were ministered to by other believers through the laying on of hands: 

-Acts 8:18 states that "through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given."

-In Damascus, Ananias laid his hands on Saul that he might receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 

-In Ephesus, the disciples to whom Paul ministered received the Holy Ghost after Paul laid his hands on them. 

Laying on of hands is not the only way people receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the upper room in Jerusalem and in the house of Cornelius people received the experience without anyone laying hands on them. But on the basis of these examples, it is Scriptural for those seeking baptism in the Holy Spirit to be ministered to through the laying on of hands. 

IMPARTING SPIRITUAL GIFTS: 

Another purpose for the laying on of hands is to impart spiritual gifts. Paul wrote Timothy: 

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (I Timothy 4:14) 

Paul refers again to Timothy's spiritual experience: 

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. (II Timothy 1:6) 

Laying on of hands was combined with the gift of prophecy to direct, encourage, and strengthen Timothy to fulfill his God-given ministry. 

COMMISSIONING CHRISTIAN WORKERS: 

Another purpose for laying on of hands is to commission Christian workers. "Commission" means to authorize, delegate, or send on a mission.

As spiritual leaders were waiting before the Lord in Antioch... 

...the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 

And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hand on them, they sent them away.

 

So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:2-4)

The Bible indicates God had already spoken privately to Paul and Barnabas about the work He wanted them to do before He spoke publicly to the church leaders. The public revelation was a confirmation of the call they already had received. 

The leaders did not send Paul and Barnabas on their mission immediately. They took time for fasting and prayer. The sending forth of these two men was completed by the laying on of hands by church leaders. 

Paul also laid hands on Timothy to commission his ministry: 

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

(II Timothy 1:6) 

The practice of laying on of hands to commission Christian workers was not used openly for missionaries and ministers.

The appointing of the first deacons (Acts 6:1-6) was accompanied by the laying on of hands: 

Whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. (Acts 6:6) 

The office to which these men were appointed in the church at Jerusalem came to be known by the title of "deacon.” The method for appointing deacons is outlined in Acts 6:3-6. The apostles gave the people the responsibility to choose men qualified to fill the office. 

These men were brought before the apostles who laid hands on them and prayed. By this act the apostles showed they accepted these men as qualified to hold this office. They committed them to God for the task for which they were chosen and transmitted to them a measure of their own spiritual wisdom necessary for the task. 

DEDICATION OF INFANTS: 

It is not Scriptural to baptize infants, as they cannot repent or believe which are the requirements for baptism. But through the laying on of hands, infants can be dedicated and committed to God's protection, guidance, and blessing: 

And He [Jesus] took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:16) 

A SPECIAL CAUTION 

The New Testament provides a word of caution regarding laying on of hands:

Do not be in a hurry in the laying on of hands. (I Timothy 5:22, The Amplified Bible) 

Because an act of spiritual transference occurs when you lay hands on someone or they lay hands on you, it is wise to be cautious in using this practice. If the person laying on hands is not spiritually qualified, the practice is not effective.

The Bible is specific about who is qualified to lay hands on another to impart spiritual benefit: 

BELIEVERS: 

Believers may lay hands on others: 

These signs shall follow them that believe...they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18) 

The qualifications of true believers have been discussed in previous chapters in the teaching on the principles of repentance from dead works and faith toward God. 

APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES: 

Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given... (Acts 8:18) 

A certain disciple, named Ananias, putting his hands on him...be filled with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 9:17) 

The apostles and disciples were men appointed and anointed of God. They were mature believers and examples of qualified leadership. 

MEMBERS OF THE PRESBYTERY:
...the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (I Timothy 4:14) 

The high standards set for presbyters, also known as elders, are recorded in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.

 

SUMMARY 

The five purposes for the laying on of hands in the New Testament are: 

-Supernatural signs 

-Baptism of the Holy Spirit 

-Imparting spiritual gifts

-Commissioning Christian workers 

-Dedication of infants 

Understanding and using the laying on of hands is important because Jesus indicated the practice was to be part of the ministry of the Church. 

The laying on of hands is a spiritual practice missing in many churches today.

But... 

-Consider the impact on the spread of the Gospel if every believer was effective in the laying on of hands for healing and miracles. 

-Consider the impact on the spread of the Gospel if spiritual gifts were being imparted and Christian workers commissioned on a regular basis through laying on of hands.

Where Do Couples Meet?

BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU LAY YOUR HEAD...

JUDGES 16:18-19
"When Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, “Come up once more, for he has told me all his heart.” So the lords of the Philistines came up to her and brought the money in their hand. Then she lulled him to sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. Then she began to torment him, and his strength left him."

I believe that the significance of Samson laying his head in Delilah's lap, had as much to do with him laying his thoughts, feelings, dreams, strengths, and weaknesses on her, as it did his physical head.

An important take away for me as a leader, is that, I am VERY vulnerable when I have a need, a yearning, for SOMEONE to "lay my head on" and it seems like foxes have dens, and birds have nests, but I have NO PLACE to lay MY head. It is at this dangerous place of vulnerability that I might easily choose the wrong person to tell 'all of my heart' to. Once you give someone all of your heart, it is no longer your "stuff" it is their information now, to do WHATEVER they want with it.
BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU LAY YOUR HEAD.
Some people are so naturally (and beautifully) empathetic, until you are almost enticed to just lay it all on them in the moment...yet at the same time these same people may be constitutionally incapable of honorably dealing with what you've just lain down. So let me just say this,
Never mistake empathy for integrity.
BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU LAY YOUR HEAD.

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Believing God For Our Children

THUS SAYS THE LORD...

Jeremiah 31:16-17

16 Thus says the Lord: Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord; and [your children] shall return from the enemy’s land.

17 And there is hope for your future, says the Lord; your children shall come back to their own country.

Bearing Witness And Giving Praise

HOW TO INTERCEDE

HOW TO INTERCEDE

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to: 

•  Explain how to intercede.
•  Summarize principles for effective intercession. 
•  Identify what to intercede for.
•  Use the promises of God to intercede.

KEY VERSES: 

This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us- whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of Him.
(I John 5:14-15) 

INTRODUCTION 

The key element in intercessory prayer is not how loud we pray, nor how energetic we are in our prayers (this is not say that these are wrong), but how sincere our requests are as we make them known unto God. It is imperative that God's glory be the end of our intercession because Satan's chief goal is to prevent God from being glorified. Therefore, if we are to have as our primary goal the glorification of God and commit our whole soul and being to the movement of intercessory prayer, God will manifest Himself. "Then you will call upon me and when you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you..." (Jeremiah 29:12-13). 

Prayer should be offered in faith and according to the will of God: 

This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us- whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of Him.
(I John 5:14-15) 

In this lesson you will learn what the Bible teaches about how to intercede and what to intercede for. You will also learn how to base your intercession upon the promises of God's Word. 

HOW TO INTERCEDE 

Look up each of the following references in your Bible. These passages provide Biblical guidelines for intercession: 

• -Prayer is to be made to God:
• -Quality rather than quantity is stressed;
• Prayer is not successful because of "much speaking": 
• -Empty repetition is forbidden, but earnest repetition is not:
• -Pray with understanding (in a known tongue): 
• -Pray in the Spirit in tongues:
• -Intercede according to the will of God:
• -Pray in secret:
• -Pray always:
• -Pray continually without ceasing:
• -Intercede to the Father in the name of Jesus: 
• -Pray with a watchful attitude:
• -Pray using the example of the model prayer: 
• -Pray with a forgiving spirit:
• -Pray with humility:
• -Sometimes accompany prayer with fasting: 
• -Intercede fervently:
• -Pray with submission to God:
• -Use the strategies of binding and loosing in prayer:

Refer To:

• Psalms 5:2 
• Matthew 6:7
• Daniel 6:10; 
• Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8 
• Ephesians 6:18
• Romans 8:26; 
• Jude 20
• I John 5:14-15
• Matthew 6:6
• Luke 21:36; 
• Ephesians 6:18 
• Romans 12:12;
• I Thessalonians 5:17
• John 14:13-14
• I Peter 4:7
• Matthew 6:9-13
• Mark 11:25
• Matthew 6:7
• Matthew 17:21
• James 5:16; Colossians 4:12 Luke 22:42
• Matthew 16:19

PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE INTERCESSION 

Here are some principles of effective intercession drawn from the foregoing Scriptures:

1. Praise God for who He is and for the privilege of engaging in the same wonderful ministry as the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 7:25). 

2. Praise God for the privilege of cooperating with Him in the affairs of men through prayer. 

3. Make sure your heart is clean before God by having given the Holy Spirit time to convict, should there be any unconfessed sin (Psalms 66:28; 29:23-24). 

4. Acknowledge you cannot really pray without the direction and energy of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26). 

5. Ask God to utterly control you by His Spirit, believe by faith that He does, and thank Him (Ephesians 5:18). 

6. Deal aggressively with the enemy. Come against him in the all-powerful Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and with the "sword of the Spirit"--the Word of God (James 4:7).

1. Die to your own imaginations, desires, and burdens for what you feel you should pray (Proverbs 3:5-6; 28:26; Isaiah 55:8). 
2. Praise God now in faith for the remarkable prayer meeting you are going to have. He is a remarkable God and will do something consistent with His character. 
3. Wait before God in silent expectancy, listening for His direction (Psalms 62:5; Micah 7:7; Psalms 81:11-13). 
4. In obedience and faith, utter what God brings to your mind, believing (John 10:27). Keep asking God for direction, expecting Him to give it to you. He will (Psalms 32:8). Make sure you don't move to the next subject until you have given God time to discharge all He wants to say regarding this burden, especially when praying in a group. Be encouraged by the lives of Moses, Daniel, Paul, and Anna, knowing that God gives revelation to those who make intercession a way of life. 
5. If possible, have your Bible with you should God want to give you direction or confirmation from it (Psalms 119:10-15). 
6. When God ceases to bring things to your mind to pray for, finish by praising and thanking Him for what He has done, reminding yourself of Romans 11:36,"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen." [1] 
   WHAT TO INTERCEDE FOR 

Study the following Biblical references which reveal what you are to intercede for: 

• -The peace of Jerusalem:
• -Laborers in the harvest:
• -That you enter not into temptation:
• -Them that despitefully use you (your enemies): -All the saints:
• -The sick:
• -One for another (bearing each others burdens):(You sin by neglecting to pray for others: 
• -For all men, kings, and those in authority: 
• -For daily needs:
• -For wisdom:
• -For healing:
• -For forgiveness:
• -For God's will and Kingdom to be established: 
• -For relief from affliction:

Refer To:

• Psalms 122:6
• Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2 Luke 22:40-46
• Luke 6:28
• Ephesians 6:18
• James 5:14
• James 5:16
• I Samuel 12:23)
• I Timothy 2:1-4
• Matthew 6:11
• James 1:5
• James 5:14-15
• Matthew 6:12
• Matthew 6:10
• James 5:13
• -For unity in the Body of Christ: John 17
• -For the persecuted church around the world: Hebrews 13:3

INTERCEDING WITH THE PROMISES 

God answers prayer according to His will and His will is revealed in the promises recorded in His Word. When you do not ask on the basis of these promises your prayer is not answered. 

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (James 4:3) 

It is similar to how a father relates to his children. No parent commits to give his youngsters anything they want or ask for. He makes it clear that he will do certain things and not do other things. Within these limits the father answers his child's requests. 

It is the same way with God. He has given promises and they form the proper basis for prayer. Learn what God has promised and pray according to these promises. One way to do this is to go through the Bible and mark all the promises of God and then base your prayers upon these promises. When you pray a promise, you actually declare God's Word back to Him. Here is an example: 

"Thank you God that you know what is needed even before I ask (Matthew 6:8). I come to you in the name of Jesus, recognizing the power in that name (John 14:14). I pray for laborers for the harvest to be raised up to extend the Kingdom of God (Matthew 9:37-38)...." etc. 

Here are a few examples of Biblical promises. These promises focus specifically on the subject of prayer: 

• -The Father knows what you need even before you ask: 
• -If any two agree in prayer, it will be answered:
• -All things are possible with God:
• -Prayer combined with faith is effective:
• -If you ask in the name of Jesus, it will be done:
• -The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much: 

Refer To:

• Matthew 6:8 
• Matthew 18:19 
• Matthew 19:26; 
• Luke 18:27 
• Matthew 21:22; 
• Mark 11:24 
• John 14:14 
• James 5:16

STAYING FOCUSED...

His Name Is JESUS!

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LESSON 3 - Reconciliation Through The Blood

Reconciliation Through the Blood

" Being justified freely by his grace through the REDEMPTION that is in Christ Jesus, whom God bath set forth as a PROPITIATION through faith in his blood."--- iii. 24,25.

As we have seen, several distinct blessings have been procured for us by the power of the blood of Jesus, which are all included in the one word " REDEMPTION." Among these blessings, RECONCILIATION takes the first place. " God hath set forth Jesus as a RECONCILIATION through faith in his blood." In our Lord's work of REDEMPTION, RECONCILIATION naturally comes first. It stands first also among the things the sinner has to do, who desires to have a share in REDEMPTION. Through it, a participation in the other blessings of Redemption is made possible.

It is of great importance also, that the believer, who has already received RECONCILIATION, should obtain a deeper, and more spiritual conception of its meaning, and blessedness. 

If the power of the blood in REDEMPTION is rooted in RECONCILIATION, then a fuller knowledge of what RECONCILIATION is, is the surest way to obtain a fuller experience of the

power of the blood. The heart that is surrendered to the teaching of the Holy Spirit will surely learn what RECONCILIATION means. May our hearts be opened wide to receive it.

To understand what RECONCILIATION BY THE BLOOD means let us consider:

1. SIN, WHICH HAS MADE RECONCILIATION NECESSARY.

2. GOD'S HOLINESS WHICH FORE-ORDAINED IT;

3. THE BLOOD OF JESUS WHICH OBTAINED IT;

4. THE PARDON WHICH RESULTS FROM IT.

1. SIN, WHICH MADE RECONCILIATION 

NECESSARY.

In all the work of Christ, and above all in RECONCILIATION, God's object is the removal and destruction of sin. Knowledge of sin is necessary for the knowledge of RECONCILIATION.

We want to understand what there is in sin that needs RECONCILIATION, and how RECONCILIATION renders sin powerless. Then faith will have something to take hold of, and the experience of that blessing is made possible.

Sin has had a twofold effect. It has had an effect on God, as well as on man. We emphasize generally its effect on man. But the effect it has exercised on God is more terrible and serious. It is because of its effect on God that sin has its power over us. God, as Lord of all, could not overlook sin. It is His unalterable law that sin must bring forth sorrow and death. When man fell into sin, he, by that law of God, was brought under the power of sin. So it is with the law of God that REDEMPTION must begin, for if sin is powerless against God, and the law of God gives sin no authority over us, then its power over us is destroyed. The knowledge that sin is speechless before God, assures us that it has no longer authority over us.

What then was the, effect of sin upon God? In His divine nature, He ever remains unchanged, and unchangeable, but in His relationship and bearing towards man, an entire change has taken place. Sin is disobedience, a contempt of the authority of God; it seeks to rob God of His honour, as God and Lord. Sin is determined opposition to a Holy God. It not only can, but must awaken His wrath.

While it was God's desire to continue in love and friendship with man, sin has compelled Him to become an opponent. Although the love of God towards man remains unchanged, sin made it impossible for Him to admit man into fellowship with Himself. It has compelled Him to pour out upon man His wrath, and curse, and punishment, instead of His love. The change which sin has caused in God's relationship to man is awful.

Man is guilty before God. Guilt is debt. We know what debt is. It is something that one person can demand from another, a claim which must be met and settled.

When sin is committed its after-effects may not be noticed, but its guilt remains. The sinner is guilty. God cannot disregard His own demand that sin must be punished; and His glory, which has been dishonoured, must be upheld. As long as the debt is not discharged, or the guilt expiated, it is, in the nature of the case, impossible for a Holy God to allow the sinner to come into His presence.

We often think that the great question for us is, how we can be delivered from the indwelling power of sin; but that is a question of less importance than, how can we be delivered from the guilt which is heaped up before God? Can the guilt of sin be removed? Can the effect of sin upon God, in awakening His wrath, be removed ? Can sin be blotted out before God? If these things can be done, the power of sin will be broken in us also. It is only through RECONCILIATION that the guilt of sin can be removed.

The word translated "RECONCILIATION" means actually "to cover." Even heathen people had an idea of this. But in Israel God revealed a RECONCILIATION which could so truly cover and remove the guilt of sin, that the original relationship between God and man can be entirely restored. This is what true RECONCILIATION must do. It must so remove the guilt of sin, that is, the effect of sin on God, that man can draw near to God, in the blessed assurance that there is not any longer the least guilt resting on him to keep him away from God.

2. THE HOLINESS OF GOD WHICH FORE 

ORDAINED THE RECONCILIATION.

This must also be considered if we are to understand RECONCILIATION aright.

God's Holiness is His infinite, glorious perfection, which leads Him always to desire what is good in others as well as in Himself. He bestows, and works out what is good in others, and hates and condemns all that is opposed to what is good.

In His holiness both the LOVE and WRATH of God are united; His LOVE which bestows itself; HIS WRATH which, according to the divine law of righteousness, casts out and consumes what is evil.

It is, as the Holy One, that God ordained RECONCILIATION in Israel, and took up His abode on the Mercy Seat.

It is as the Holy One that He, in expectation of New Testament times, said so often, " I am thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel."

It is as the Holy One that God wrought out His counsel of RECONCILIATION in Christ.

The wonder of this counsel is, that both the holy love and the holy wrath of God find satisfaction in it. Apparently they were in irreconcilable strife with one another. The holy love was unwilling to let man go. Notwithstanding all his sin, it could not give him up. He must be redeemed. The holy wrath could not surrender its demands. The law had been despised. God had been dishonoured. God's right must be upheld. There could be no thought of releasing the sinner as long as the law was not satisfied. The terrible effect of sin in heaven-on God, must be counteracted; the guilt of sin must be removed ; otherwise the sinner could not be delivered. The only solution possible was RECONCILIATION.

We have seen that RECONCILIATION means COVERING. It means that something else has taken the place where sin was established, so that sin can no longer be seen by God.

But because God is the Holy One, and His eyes as a flame of fire, that which covered sin must be something of such a nature that it really counteracted the evil that sin had done, and also that it so blotted out sin before God that it was really destroyed, and was not now to be seen.

RECONCILIATION for sin can take place only by satisfaction. Satisfaction is RECONCILIATION. And as satisfaction is through a substitute, sin can be punished, and the sinner saved. 

God's holiness also would be glorified, and its demands met, as well as the demand of God's love in the redemption of the sinner; and the demand of His righteousness in the maintenance of the glory of God and of His law.

We know how this was set forth in the Old Testament laws of the offerings. A clean beast took the place of a guilty man. His sin was laid, by confession, on the head of the victim, which bore the punishment by surrendering its life unto death. Then the blood, representing a clean life that now through the bearing of punishment is free from guilt, can be brought into God's presence ; the blood or life of the beast that has borne the punishment in place of the sinner. That blood made RECONCILIATION, and covered the sinner and his sin, because it had taken his place, and atoned for his sin.

There was RECONCILIATION IN THE BLOOD.

But that was not a reality. The blood of cattle or of goats could never take away sin; it was only a shadow, a picture, of the real RECONCILIATION.

Blood of a totally different character was necessary for an effectual covering of guilt. According to the counsel of the Holy God, nothing less than the blood of God's own Son could bring about RECONCILIATION. Righteousness demanded it; Love offered it. " Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus whom God hath set forth for a RECONCILIATION through faith in his blood."

3. THE BLOOD THAT WROUGHT OUT THE 

RECONCILIATION.

RECONCILIATION must be the satisfaction of the demands of God's holy law.

The Lord Jesus accomplished that. By a willing, and perfect obedience, He fulfilled the law under which He had placed Himself. In the same spirit of complete surrender to the will of the Father, He bore the curse which the law had pronounced against sin. He rendered, in fullest measure of obedience or punishment, all that the law of God could ever ask or desire. The law was perfectly satisfied by Him. But how can His fulfilling of the demands of the law be RECONCILIATION for the sins of others? Because, both in Creation and in the holy covenant of grace that the Father had made with Him, He was recognised as the head of the human race. Because of this, He was able, by becoming flesh, to become a second Adam. When He, the WORD, became FLESH, He placed Himself in a real fellowship with our flesh which was under the power of sin, and He assumed the responsibility for all that sin had done in the flesh against God. His obedience and perfection was not merely that of one man among others, but that of Him who had placed Himself in fellowship with all other men, and who had taken their sin upon Himself.

As Head of mankind through Creation, as their 

representative in the Covenant, He became their surety. 

As a perfect satisfaction of the demands of the law was 

accomplished by the shedding of His blood, this was 

THE RECONCILIATION; the covering of our sin.

Above all, we must never forget that He was God. This bestowed a divine power on Him, to unite Himself with His creatures, and to take them up into Himself. It bestowed on His sufferings a virtue of infinite holiness and power. It made the merit of His blood-shedding more than sufficient to deal with all the guilt of human sin. It made His blood such a real RECONCILIATION, such a perfect covering of sin, that the holiness of God no longer beholds it. It has been, in truth, blotted out. The Blood of Jesus, God's Son, has procured a real, perfect and eternal RECONCILIATION.

What does that mean?

We have spoken of the awful effect of sin on God, of the terrible change which took place in heaven, through sin. Instead of favour, and friendship, and blessing, and the life of God, from Heaven, man had nothing to look for except wrath, and curse, and death, and perdition. He could think of God only with fear and terror; without hope, and without love. Sin never ceased to call for vengeance, guilt must be dealt with in full.

But see the blood of Jesus, God's Son, has been shed. Atonement for sin has been made. Peace is restored. A change has taken place again, as real and widespread as that which sin had brought about. For those who receive the RECONCILIATION, sin has been brought to naught. The wrath of God turns round and hides itself in the depth of divine love.

The Righteousness of God no longer terrifies man. It meets him as a friend, with an offer of complete justification. God's countenance beams with pleasure and approval as the penitent sinner draws near to Him, and He invites him to intimate fellowship. He opens for him treasure of blessing. There is nothing now that can separate him from God.

The RECONCILIATION through the blood of Jesus has covered his sins ; they appear no longer in God's sight. He no longer imputes sin. RECONCILIATION has wrought out a perfect and eternal redemption.

Oh one who can tell the worth of that precious blood?

It is no wonder that for ever mention will be made of that blood in the song of the redeemed, and through all eternity, as long as heaven lasts, the praise of the blood will resound. " Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood."

But here is the wonder, that the redeemed on earth do not more heartily join in that song, and that they are not abounding in praise for the RECONCILIATION that the power of the Blood has accomplished.

4. THE PARDON WHICH FOLLOWS FROM 

RECONCILIATION.

That the blood has made RECONCILIATION for sin, and covered it, and that as a result of this such a wonderful change has taken place in the heavenly realms -all this will avail us nothing, unless we obtain a personal share in it.

It is in the pardon of sin this takes place.

God has offered a perfect acquittal from all our sin and guilt. Because RECONCILIATION has been made for sin, we can now be RECONCILED to Him. "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them." Following this word of RECONCILIATION is the invitation, "Be ye reconciled to God." Whoever receives RECONCILIATION for sin, is RECONCILED to God. He knows that all his sins are forgiven.

The Scriptures use sundry illustrations to emphasise the fulness of forgiveness, and to convince the fearful heart of the sinner, that the blood has really taken his sin away. "I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgressions, and as a cloud thy sins" (Isa. xliv. 22). "Thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back" (Isa. xxxviii. 17). "Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea" (Mic. vii. i9). "The iniquity of Israel shall be sought for and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah and they shall not be found for I will pardon them" (Jer. 1. 20).

This is what the New Testament calls justification. It is thus named in Rom. iii. 23-26, "For all have sinned . . . being justified freely (for nothing) through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth as a RECONCILIATION, THROUGH FAITH IN HIS BLOOD, to declare his righteousness . . . that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."

So perfect is the RECONCILIATION and so really has sin 

been covered and blotted out, that he who believes in 

Christ is looked upon, and treated by God, as entirely 

righteous. The acquittal which he has received from God

 is so complete that there is nothing, absolutely nothing, 

to prevent him approaching God with the utmost 

freedom.

For the enjoyment of this blessedness nothing is necessary save faith in the blood. The blood alone has clone everything.

The penitent sinner who turns from his sin to God, needs only faith in that blood. That is, faith in the power of the blood, that it has truly atoned for sin, and that it really has atoned for him. Through that faith, he knows that he is fully RECONCILED to God, and that there is now not the least thing to hinder God pouring out on him the fulness of His love, and blessing.

If he looks towards heaven which formerly was covered with clouds, black with God's wrath, and a coming awful judgment; that cloud is no longer to be seen, everything is bright in the gladsome light of God's face, and God's love. Faith in the blood manifests in his heart the same wonder-working power that it exercised in heaven. Through faith in the blood he becomes partaker of all the blessings which the blood has obtained for him, from God.

Fellow believers ! pray earnestly that the Holy Spirit may reveal to you the glory of this RECONCILIATION, and the pardon of your sins, made yours through the blood of Jesus. Pray for enlightened hearts to see how completely the accusing and condemning power of your sin has been removed, and how God in the fulness of His love and good pleasure has turned towards you. Open your hearts to the Holy Spirit that He may reveal in you the glorious effects which the blood has had in heaven. God hath set forth JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF as a RECONCILIATION through faith in His blood. He is the RECONCILIATION for our sins. Rely on Him, as having already covered your sin before God. Set Him between yourselves and your sins, and you will experience how complete the Redemption is, which He has accomplished, and how powerful the RECONCILIAT10N is through faith in His blood.

Then through the LIVING CHRIST, the powerful effects 

which the blood has exercised in heaven will increasingly 

be manifested in your hearts, and you will know what it 

means to walk, by the Spirit's grace, in the full light and 

enjoyment of forgiveness.

And you who have not yet obtained forgiveness of your sins, does not this word come to you as an urgent call to faith in His blood ?

Will you never allow yourselves to be moved by what God has done for you as sinners? "Herein is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the reconciliation for our sins" (I John iv. 20).

The precious blood, divine, has been shed, RECONCILIATION is complete, and the message comes to you, "Be ye reconciled to God."

If you repent of your sins, and desire to be delivered from sin's power and bondage, exercise faith in the blood. Open your heart to the influence of the word that God has sent to be spoken unto you. Open your heart to the message, that the blood can deliver you, yes, even you, this moment. Only believe it. Say "that blood is also for me." If you come as a guilty, lost sinner, longing for pardon, you may rest assured that the blood which has already made a perfect RECONCILIATION covers your sin and restores you, immediately, to the favour and love of GOD.

So I pray you, exercise faith in the blood. This moment bow down before God, and tell Him that you do believe in the power of the blood for your own soul. Having said that, stand by it, cling to it. Through faith in His blood, Jesus Christ will be the RECONCILIATION for your sins also.