Don't Plead, Proclaim

I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified. (Isaiah 43:25-26)

I've traveled all over the world and noticed many Christians take this verse out of context. Many have built doctrines around "pleading the blood" based on this verse, even though the New Testament never instructs us to do so. Our calling is to believe in the blood and exercise authority in the name of Jesus.

Context is key. God was speaking to the people of Israel before the concept of the New Birth was possible. When He said, "Let us plead together," He meant, "Argue your case." There was no forgiveness of sins, but God wanted to do whatever it took to help people make things right.

Many today replace prayers and repetition with faith. Remember, in this time of the Old Testament, access to the Holy Spirit was only given to prophets and priests. But in Christ, justification is no longer about "pleading;" it is about "receiving." Stop using rituals as a substitute for a real relationship. The Word tells us to declare what God already said about us. We are the righteous. We are justified. The blood of Jesus forgives us.

Isaiah 43 was never a formula meant for New Testament believers to follow. It was God showing mercy to Israel. The blood secured your status as forgiven. The name of Jesus strengthens your authority in Christ.

Practical Application

Remember that your sins are blotted out for His sake, not because of your performance. So when condemnation tries to rise within you, respond with the Word. Say, "I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus."

Isaiah 1:18; Job 16:21