by it he has been separated from a present evil world. Hence he can
flowing over him and ever carrying off the iniquity, that is oozing out at every pore.
5. Through it he is set apart for God.—By it he has been bought, and by it he has been separated from a present evil world. Hence he can join in that song, "unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us unto our God kings and priests." By this blood he has been ransomed, and this of itself sets him apart. But the mark of the blood is upon him. He has become a consecrated vessel,—a vessel of the sanctuary,—no longer for the use of self or of the world, but for the use of God alone. As one on whom the blood has been sprinkled, he feels that he dare not be, another's; he must be Christ's alone. He dare not turn the sanctuary of Jehovah into the temple of idols, the dwelling of the Holy Ghost into the abode of devils.
6. Through it all holiness comes.—The blood has opened the channel, and holiness flows in. He dares not use this blood for unholy purposes. He dares not say, "I am sprinkled with the blood, therefore I may make light of sin, I may live as I please." No: he says I am sprinkled with this blood, therefore I must be holy. They who know it not may live on in sin; but I who know it, dare not. Others who reject it may reason in such a way; but I cannot. The blood is too precious, too holy, to be used for any but holy purposes. If he were attempting to use it for any other, it would immediately change its voice and bear witness against him.
7. Through it he overcomes.—"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb." It is the sight of this blood that nerves him for the conflict, and gives him the assurance of victory. He, whose blood it is, was the conqueror, and in his name we move forward to battle, certain of being more than conquerors through him that loved us. The blood with which we are sprinkled gives us both strength and courage. With it we are invincible,—nay victorious.