First, blood; second, crucifixion—that is, co-death; third, flesh; and fourth, bearing the cross. We have also considered the difference between co-crucifixion and blood. We next are going to discuss the difference between the flesh and the blood. Let us recall from Exodus 12 how God ordered the Israelites to slay a lamb and put its blood on the two side posts and the lintel of their homes. When He passed by and saw the blood, He would pass over all their homes so that they would not die. In the light of this event we can conclude that blood is wholly for God. As that original Passover began, the children of Israel took their staffs and prepared to go on their journey out to the wilderness. The blood had completed their redemption; therefore, the people of God should now run the race that is set before them. Thus, as soon as people get saved they should pursue the kingdom course with their backs towards the world just as the Israelites had turned their backs on Egypt. As soon as the blood is applied, the earthly pilgrim journey of God’s people immediately starts.
