"Washed By The Blood" -3

But, you say, Jesus' life was not taken by force, because He laid His life down for our sins. Yes, it is true that He went to the cross freely, however the manner by which He was killed, and the brutality by which He suffered was force enough. The animals used for sacrifice, who's blood would be shed for sin offerings, they also would be led freely to the alter, because for many of these sacrifices the owner of that animal would be the one bringing them. The thing that we are talking about is such a little issue, but it means quite a lot; because the blood of Jesus being spilt, although it did happen after His death, it was not the means by which He died for us. However, the life of the flesh is in the blood, and during a sacrifice all the blood of the animal had to be drained and distributed; the life blood of the animal sacrificed was a substitute for the worshipers own life, and an atonement for his sins. In Romans 5:10, Paul declares, "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son; much more, being reconciled we shall be saved by His life." There are several different implications that can be attributed to the meaning of 'life' when saying we are "saved by His life". One that is obvious to the verse that comes before, and has to do with "being justified by His blood"; which, if taken in the context of what the blood represents, then we could assume that Paul is talking about the physical life of Jesus being taken for our life; the life blood of His sacrifice was a substitute for our lives. The other meaning of this word 'life' which Paul uses, and one that can also be used, has to do with the physical resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Which, if used in this context would mean that we are justified by His death, or the spilling of His blood, but we are saved by His rising from the dead. I am thinking that this line of thought would lead someone to think that they must be baptised in order to be saved, whereby the act of submersion and then rising up out of the water would simulate being washed from our sins. However; if we are talking about His life meaning His existence, well, the implications could be far reaching... "John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be upon you, and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne; and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first-begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (Revelation 1:4-6)