WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD
Tonight, we want to examine the message of “When I See the Blood”, a song we sing from time to time. This particular song is interesting as it appeals to an event recorded in the Old Testament, but finds its real fulfillment in Jesus. And, as we consider what Jesus did for us, we make application to our lives.
The song was written by John G. Foote (1854-1901) in Iowa. We know very little about him, other than he was associated with the Presbyterian church. This song, published in 1892, is the only known hymn of his that we have. The message of this hymn is one that reminds us of our hope in Jesus. One day we will stand before God in judgment, but the blood of Jesus can save us from eternal wrath. Let us consider the teachings of this song.
I. The Account
a. Exodus 12:13 – Israel has been in Egypt for centuries and in miserable slavery. Moses has been sent to Pharaoh to release the people. Pharaoh refused which resulted in 10 plagues that devastated the land. The 10th plague was of special significance to the children of Israel. It was announced as the death of the firstborn of both man and beast.
However, Israel was given instructions as to how to avoid this plague. The events would become an annual observance for them known as the Passover.
In Exodus 12, the children of Israel were instructed to take a lamb without blemish and at twilight on the 14th of that month they were to kill the lamb. With the meat they observed a feast with unleavened bread as they prepared for their exodus from Egypt.
They were also instructed to take some of the blood of the lamb and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of their houses (12:7). It was announced that about midnight, the angel of death would pass through the land of Egypt and execute judgment. Then in vs. 13 we read, “Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.”
b. Jesus, is OUR Passover Lamb – 1 Corinthians 5:7, (cf. John 1:29). Furthermore, a study of the crucifixion shows that it was DURING the Passover feast that Jesus was put to death. It was the Passover meal that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:19, 26-29). John addresses the Passover as it relates to the death of Jesus in several passages (John 13:1, 18:28-29, 19:14).
c. When God sees the blood of Jesus, He forgives our sins – the intended message of this song is to relate the statement to the Jews being delivered from the angel of death, to our being delivered from death because of our sins. While not stated in those exact words, we do find a correlation.
i. Sin is a terrible thing. Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death. In scripture, sin is referred to in terms of bondage or slavery – John 8:34 – Jesus said that whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.
ii. The Bible has much to say about blood and our redemption. Ephesians 1:7 says we have redemption on Christ Jesus, “through His blood” (also Colossians 1:14). Hebrews 9:12-14 notes the sacrifice of Jesus was with His own blood “one for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”
It was blood that was shed, “for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:26)
Romans 3:25 that the blood of Jesus appeased the wrath of God (propitiation) having “passed over the sins that were previously committed.”
1 Peter 1:18-19 – we were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ
iii. We need to come in contact with that blood. But how? Acts 2:38 (same as Matthew 26:26). Romans 6:3-6 – baptized into His death – that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
In this chapter Paul continues to emphasize this noting that we are no longer slaves of sin, but slaves of righteousness – Romans 6:16-18.
Revelation 1:5 speaks of our being us being washed from our sins in His own blood.
d. The chorus of our song, repeats this promise to us as we come in contact with His blood
II. Verse 1 – Jesus paid the cost
a. Christ, our Redeemer, died on the cross – this is what we have been addressing. He is the One in whom we hope.
b. Died for the sinner, paid all his (our) due – Jesus paid the price God demanded – He died for us. Romans 5:8. 1 Corinthians 15:3 – Christ died for our sins.
Be reminded that a redeemer is one who pays the price or delivers another. In terms of being slaves to sin, He paid the price to free us of that deadly state.
c. All who receive Him need never fear – salvation is available to all. - John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
And He must be “received” - most songs (obviously) do not mention everything one must do in dealing with a given situation. There are many words that in context imply everything involved in a process. We often talk about “the faith” (Jude 3, Eph. 3:8, etc.) meaning everything we do, or “the gospel” (Romans 1:16, 1 Cor. 15:1) being inclusive of everything preached. Our song simply says, “received” which rightly talks about us doing what we need to do to “receive” salvation.
WE understand this to include H, B, R, C, be Baptized.
d. Yes, He will pass, will pass over you – the blood of Jesus will lead us to heaven in the day of Judgment. More on this in vs. 3.
III. Verse 2 – Chiefest of sinners Jesus can save
a. Chiefest of sinners Jesus can save – it doesn’t matter what you have done in times past, you CAN be saved. The blood of Jesus can forgive any sin.
Paul described himself as chiefest of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15)
Be reminded of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – such were some of you.
(NOTE: Don’t confuse forgiveness with consequences)
b. As He has promised, so He will do – Jesus realized He had a job to do and it was about our sins. John 4:34, “Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”
c. He said, finished His work (John 17:4, 19:30)
Seeing this completion, with confidence we know that Jesus CAN do what He promises us. 2 Timothy 1:1, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,“
d. O sinner hear Him, trust in His word – some might see this as espousing faith only, but only if you limit “trust” to “faith only.” We know that our salvation depends upon our willingness to hear Him and trust (believe) what He says! OBEY the Gospel! Ephesians 1:13, “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,”
As we continually emphasize, trusting God means more than mental acknowledgement. It IS an acknowledgment that will do what he says. Consider 1 Peter 3:21 – it is “the answer of a good conscience toward God. Cf. 1 Timothy 6:17 – the rich commanded NOT to trust in riches, but in God
e. Then He will pass, will pass over you – THEN! Conditional.
IV. Verse 3 – Judgment is coming
a. Judgment is coming, all will be there – we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. He has appointed a day – Acts 17:30-31, Romans 1410-12 – we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ – and give an account of ourselves to God.
b. Who have rejected, who have refused – it will be a sad day for many. Matthew 25:31-32, 41, 46; John 5:28-29 – the hour is coming when all who are in the grave will hear and come forth to judgment.
This reminds us of the reality of an eternal torment for those who will not obey the gospel – 2 Thess. 1:6-8, Romans 2:5-10, Revelation 20:12-15 – books opened and anyone not found written in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone.
c. O sinner hasten, let Jesus in – a call to obey Him! He knocks – Revelation 3:20. John 14:23, “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”
d. Then He will pass, will pass over you – It is through the blood Jesus that we will find our forgiveness on that day.
V. Verse 4 – Jesus has power & is true
a. O what compassion, o boundless love – this verse focuses on the character of Jesus that made this salvation possible. One of things that can prick our hearts is a realization of the grace of God manifest in His sending Jesus. AND of the love Jesus has for us.
Jesus loved us – John 15:12-13, He lays down His life for His friends. Revelation 1:5, “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” Galatians 2:20 – He loved me and gave Himself for me.
He also had compassion – He demonstrated this throughout His life – Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 15:32, 20:34, etc. Cf. Philippians 2:5-8 – Jesus humbled Him and became flesh to die for us.
b. Jesus hath power, Jesus is true – amen! Romans 1:4, Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness. Ephesians 6:10 Paul calls for us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
He is also true – John 14:6, 1:14 – He was full of grace and truth; vs. 1;7 – truth came through Him
Ephesians 4:21 – as the truth is in Jesus – we have heard and been taught by Him
c. All who obey are safe from the storm – the original said, “all who believe” – we again are reminded of our need to “accept” His offer of salvation. We need to “obey the gospel”.
Consider also 1 John 1:7 – if we keep walking in the light, we will be cleansed of our sins. (This includes repentance and asking forgiveness).
d. O He will pass, will pass over you – again we are reminded of the theme. One thought – begins with “O” – in this case, a point of emphasis. You might say, “Oh HOW” or “O, to what degree” will he pass over you.
Our hope is built upon the blood of Jesus. One day we will stand in judgment and it is ONLY His blood that can save us. But, as we have seen, we must contact that blood – through obeying the gospel. Have you? Are you remaining faithful? Let this song remind you that there is hope as we live our lives in this uncertain world. Be ready for that day.
