If you’ve been following along this blog of any amount of time, you likely know that I struggle with legalism. It is quite common for me to feel like I’m backsliding if I don’t do my quiet time, don’t pray a certain way, or do certain spiritual practices.

One day last week I was driving to work. It had been a morning. I got up too late, didn’t have time to pack myself a lunch, my hair wasn’t really done, and I hadn’t had time to read my bible. The vague thoughts and fears of condemnation started to spring up.

By the grace of God, I recognised the “fiery darts” and verbally reminded myself that quiet time is not what has sanctified me.

Then something pretty cool happened. I started to sing. This isn’t an oddity (I’m the queen of commuter karaoke), but the cool thing is what I started to sing. It’s an old song that I haven’t really thought of or sun for years.

What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! Oh, precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow! No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus!

I do believe that, in that moment, the holy spirit worked through the lyrics of an old song to remind me of something profound.

No. other. thing. can. wash. me. clean. Period!

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do.” – Romans 8:1-3a

No other thing – no quiet time, religious practice, or “works” can wash us clean. Our full and final washing was done on through the sinless life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While our faith-driven works are part of our continual sanctification with the Father, they are not the sum of our sanctification.

He who is mighty has done a great thing!
-M