Reading: “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain”—Revelation 5:6

That which Christ accomplished on the cross was prefigured in the law and today it is manifested in the gospel. His blood-shedding is forever in operation. He applies to our consciences, continually by His Spirit, the virtue of His death and passion. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). Also “By one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified,” (Hebrews 10:14).

This is sure comfort to us; though He died almost 1629 years ago

[Thomas Adams was preaching in the mid 1600’s], His blood is not yet dry. His wounds are as fresh to do us good, as they were to those saints that beheld them bleeding on the cross. The virtue of His merits is not abated, though many hands of faith have taken large portions out of His treasury. The river of His grace, “which makes glad the city of God,” runs over its banks, though infinite souls have drank hearty draughts, and satisfied their thirst.

But because we cannot apprehend this for ourselves, therefore He has promised to send us the “Spirit of truth, who will dwell with us” (John 14:17), and apply this to us forever.

(Taken from “Semper Idem” [ed., “Always the Same”] in The Works of Thomas Adams, 3:5–6)

 

Lord, I believe Thy precious blood,
Which, at the mercy seat of God,
Forever doth for sinners plead,
For me, e’en for my soul, was shed.

Jesus, the endless praise to Thee,
Whose boundless mercy hath for me—
For me a full atonement made,
An everlasting ransom paid.

—Nikolaus L. von Zin­zen­dorf