A Cloud of Incense

In the Tabernacle, the altar of incense played a vital role in the worship of Israel, representing the prayers of the people ascending to God. This practice typifies the intercessory work of Christ, whose perfect righteousness is crucial for believers. As the incense rises, it symbolizes how Christ's merits and intercessions make the worship of sinful beings acceptable to God, despite their inherent sinfulness.

The concept emphasizes that neither time, events, nor even ongoing sinfulness can diminish the efficacy of Christ's blood, which is the ultimate source of righteousness. Through His atonement, believers are purified and can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. Just as the high priest sprinkled blood on the mercy seat for the ceremonial cleansing of Israel, Christ's sacrifice cleanses and purifies His people from sin, ensuring their acceptance before God.

The assurance of salvation through Christ's merits comes from the Bible, affirming that His righteousness is imputed to those who believe. This imputed righteousness is the foundation for a believer's acceptance with God. Christ's perfect life and sacrificial death are sufficient to atone for the sins of His people, fulfilling the requirements of divine justice.

Moreover, the ongoing intercession of Christ at the right hand of the Father reassures believers of their secure position in grace. His blood continually speaks a better word than that of Abel, providing a foundation for faith and hope. The effectiveness of His sacrifice is not based on human effort but solely on His righteous status as the Lamb of God, making Him the only mediator capable of reconciling sinful humanity with a holy God.

The blood of Christ holds paramount significance in the life of a Christian, as it is the means by which believers are justified and cleansed from all unrighteousness. This divine sacrifice satisfies God's righteous requirements, allowing Christians to stand justified before Him. It speaks of the power of redemption and reconciliation, ensuring that the shame of sin is removed and that the believer’s relationship with God is restored.

In worship, Christ's blood symbolizes not only purification but also the acceptance of prayers offered by believers. Just as the incense in the Tabernacle represented the sincere prayers of Israel, so too does Christ's blood make those prayers fragrant and acceptable before God. Without Christ's atoning sacrifice, the worship of sinful beings would be rendered worthless; however, through His righteousness, believers can boldly approach the throne of grace, confident in their status as children of God.