OBEDIENCE IS THE PRECONDITION FOR PROTECTION BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS.
TEXT:
"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:" (1st Peter 1 verse 2, King James Version).
The Bible shows us that we overcome the devil by the Blood of Jesus Christ and by the word of our testimony (see Revelation 12 verse 11). With regards to the Blood of Jesus, the Lord, we have much to say; particularly that it is by His Blood that we have redemption, even the forgiveness of sins (see Colossians 1 verse 14 and Ephesians 1 verse 7).
The Scripture reading for today opens our eyes further to understand that we are cleansed from sin and made Holy by the sprinkling of the Blood of Jesus Christ, the Lord. Our cleansing and being made holy unto the Lord is a prerequisite for the enjoyment of the very numerous blessings available in Christ for us. After all, can two walk together, except they are in agreement? (see Amos 3 verse 3). One of such blessings in store for us in Christ, amongst others is protection.
It's important that we understand as Christians that an obedient lifestyle is the condition for being protected by the Blood of Jesus. Jesus' Blood is not sprinkled on those who persist in disobedience. By way of emphasis, God's protection will not avail those that live in disobedience. It's important that we know this because it serves to put an end to the very many questions raised in Christendom as to why some people aren't enjoying protection in Christ though they are Christians.
What disobedience and a rebellious lifestyle will do is that it will open you up to the devil's attacks. This is exemplified by the record of the first Passover in Egypt, when Moses told the Israelites:
"And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. And none of you shall go out of the door of his house until morning." (Exodus 12 verse 22).
The Israelites were protected not because they were Israelites, but because they obeyed God's instructions concerning the blood, and stayed inside their houses during that hour of Egypt’s judgment. If any Israeli firstborn had gone out of their houses, they would have suffered the same fate as the Egyptians.
The same applies to us as Christians. Our protection from Satan does not depend solely on our being Christians, but on our obeying God's directions.
The blood, as I said, does not protect those who live and continue to live in rebellion and disobedience, but protects those that live in obedience to God's Word. The Bible says that to obey is better than sacrifice. Henceforth, as you repent and resolve to live in obedience to God's Word, His protection will be yours without fail, in Jesus name.
PRAYER:
Father, I repent and ask for forgiveness for every disobedient lifestyle that I have lived. Thank You for being faithful to me, protecting me from the evil one because I'm in Christ and I live in obedience to Your Word.