Without Blood No Forgiveness: Midrash Bible Studies, #6

By Richard Smith

This Literal Midrash Study of Hebrews 9:22 examines the question, 'Does Christ's blood really represent the only means whereby people of all cultural backgrounds (Jewish as well as non- Jewish) can receive forgiveness of sin and the free gift of salvation?' It refutes the error of a certain American based Messianic Jewish leader who maintained that Christ's blood represented only one means whereby atonement (covering or cleansing) could be made for sin. Highlighted is the way the beneficial influence of Christ's death extends backwards as well as forwards in time, Consequently, believers are challenged to show a deep appreciation for the shedding of Christ's blood, which has granted them so many blessings.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Richard Smith
• Release date: Jan 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393232865

Book preview

WITHOUT BLOOD NO FORGIVENESS!

(A Literal Midrash of Hebrews 9:22 that Challenges a Serious Error found within Messianic Judaism)

Copyright © the Author 2008

All Rights Reserved, The Moral Right of the author has been asserted

Contents

INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL

Author’s Preface to the First Edition

Author’s Preface to the Second Edition

Key Concepts

Quotation from Hebrews 9:21-23

PART 1: ANALYSIS OF HEBREWS 9:22     

Rhetorical Prologue

Section 1: Aims

Section 2: Background

Section 3: Exposition

Section 4: Amplification

Section 5: Summary of Teaching

Section 6: Conceptual Representation

Section 7: Creative Representation

PART 2: APPLICATION OF HEBREWS 9:22

Section 8: Biblical Application

Section 9:  Intellectual Application

Section 10: Small-Scale Application

Section 11: Medium-Scale Application

Section 12: Large-Scale Application

Section 13: Eternal Applications

Section 14: Concluding Comments

Summary

Final Exhortation

Questions

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY

Booklist

Articles

Web Sites

Before You Go

INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL

Author’s Preface to the First Edition

This exposition of Hebrews 9:22 ( henceforth known as H9:22), which states "...and almost all things by the law are purged with blood ; and without the shedding of blood is no remission," came to mind in the latter part of 1995 whilst corresponding with a certain Messianic Jewish leader, then residing in the United States. In one sense, it represents a detailed reply to two assertions made by this person. The first assertion maintained that Christ's blood represented only one means whereby atonement could be made for sin. The other was that H 9:22 represented a misquotation of Leviticus 17:11, which states, For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul.  As both assertions open the way to a devaluation of authentic faith it was judged appropriate that a thorough and exhaustive response should be made. NOTHING LESS THAN THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF SALVATION WAS AT STAKE. In addition, I felt as if I was wrestling for the soul of a particular individual who, on a personal level, was most affable.

I needed to turn my attention to the Messianic Movement as a whole. My own conviction was that the Messianic Movement’s most decisive battle would be over this very question of the validity of Christ’s blood as the ONLY method of salvation. Does Christ’s blood really represent the only means whereby people of all cultural backgrounds (Jewish as well as non- Jewish) can receive forgiveness of sin and the free gift of salvation? How Messianic Judaism answers the question will determine its future validity. If Christ's atoning work is viewed as being one of only many ways of salvation, then there will be nothing to prevent Messianic Judaism from being absorbed into a One World System and then subsequently into the worship of the anti-Christ.

However, should Messianic Judaism fully endorse Christ's atoning work then it will need divine strength to withstand the global tribulation, which will take place immediately before Israel's public recognition of the true Messiah If God is saying anything to the people engaged in this sector it is this, I want passionately to use you but first I must test you to see whether you are really loyal to Me and to My Word. On offer are promises of much blessing but also a warning of severe future trials. All too evident is the need to explore the role of suffering in Jewish work. Regrettably, many of those involved in Jewish matters have not even begun to face such issues. Unless these things are quickly faced then the Messianic Movement could be heading for what would be a truly great fall.

The Author, April 1996.

Author’s Preface to the Second Edition

During the course of the previous decade, MUCH OF Messianic Judaism has (outside of Israel) continued to slide into error whilst remaining ineffective as a means of reaching Jewish people with the Gospel.  The author’s direct contacts with members of the United Kingdom Jewish community confirm that it’s been either viewed as a threat that has now been contained. Also he has personally known of two Messianic Assemblies consumed by scandal and another just about surviving in the