"Because of his love God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children—this was his pleasure and purpose. Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son! For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God, which he gave to us in such large measure!" (Ephesians 1: 4b-8b)
(Image: Original painting--"The Cleansing Blood," 4' x 4' panel of a mural at Bethel Church acrylic on panel, by Matt Philleo & Dave Mattison)
The centerpiece of all civilization is the cross of Jesus Christ.
There is no person too poor that they can't be made rich by the immeasurable worth of the One who hung on it.
There is no person too rich, that they can't be awed by its beauty, and throw all their worldly wealth on the ground to lay hold of it.
There is no empire too mighty that it couldn't avoid intersecting into the path of history: the lowly itinerant preacher amused them as He trudged up the hill of Golgotha, mocked and scorned, stretched upon the plank of wood one day. Three days later, He amazed them as He escaped while the guards helplessly stood by.
There is no religious person too righteous that she can't recognize how much he falls short of God's glory, and cry out in desperation of the savior she once mocked as a crutch for the weak.
There is no sinful person too wicked to be pitied by the mercy of God's limitless love, accepted just as he is and held close like a son, even while still in his mud and filth.
There is nobody on the earth--from the frozen, icy islands of the Canadian North, to the steaming hot jungles of the Peruvian South, that can't be reached by ever-flowing, cleansing blood of Christ.
All it takes is one drop to clean you from your sins, it is that powerful. And although the blood that stained that old, rugged cross dried up over 1900 years ago, it is still flowing abundantly today by faith if you will receive it. Are you a sinner? Come, wash in the blood and you will be whiter than snow. Are you a saint? Come back again when you feel weak and weary, and receive grace to cancel the guilt of sin and strength to overcome.
Just as the old song says, "the blood will never lose its power."
Be blessed,
If you like this post, please comment, upvote, follow me ( @mattphilleo ) and resteem. I post regularly on art, tips on painting and drawing, and encouraging thoughts. You are helping me to do art full-time and support a family. Thank you so much!--Matt
See more of my artwork at: MattPhilleo.com
Amen we need to pray for a long time together mattphilleo thank you
With love,
harj : ) xoxo
Abstract artist
I would like that. I will pray for you tonight in my prayers! Be blessed and may the grace of Jesus ever be with you and your family.
Nasty one, good job
"Nasty?" I'm guessing you say that because of the blood. :) This kind of blood is beautiful. Back in Jr. High, I used to draw pictures of skulls, axes, grim reapers, and gore. Macabre, but pretty much pointless. Now, from time to time, I draw and paint these things, but they do have a purpose: to show the love of God in the midst of suffering. Thanks for your comment!