More Snakes!

In 1 Peter 1:2, Peter writes that believers are elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with His blood.  This verse relates very well to what I've written concerning Numbers 21 and the Bronze Serpent.  Peter explains that the Holy Spirit's work is to sanctify us, to enable us and to empower us to grow in grace in Christ.  He also explains that the means by which we grow is as we are sprinkled more and more with the blood of Christ.  Again, each time we become aware of an area of sin or disobedience, we confess that sin and trust the Holy Spirit to sanctify us based on the power of the shed blood of Christ...in other words, the power of the blood is applied to us in a fresh way, resulting in a supernatural change of life.  It is being sprinkled with the blood of Christ that changes us...or, as 1 John 1:9 says, if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to not only forgive our sins, but also to CLEANSE us from all unrighteousness.  What hope we have as we live out our lives which so often is characterized by 3 steps forward, 2 steps back! Do not lose heart! Our growth in Christ is more dependent upon the blood of Christ than our own strength or competency!!  Yet the power of the blood assures our ability to live the life we are called to live!!