UNDER THE COVERING OF THE BLOOD AND THE DANGER OF PRIDE By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” — John 14:6
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INTRODUCTION
The message of the Gospel is not merely a religious concept, but a divine revelation of God’s eternal love, justice, holiness, and mercy toward humanity. At the very heart of this divine revelation stands the Blood of Jesus Christ — shed not as a tragic accident, but as a deliberate, redemptive act ordained before the foundation of the world. This lesson invites the believer to pause, reflect, and rejoice in the priceless gift of salvation that flows from the sacrificial death of Christ. It also serves as a solemn warning to those who, in pride and self-deception, reject God’s provision and seek to establish their own righteousness apart from Jesus.
The central theme of this teaching is the absolute necessity of being covered by the Blood of Jesus, contrasted with the deadly danger of pride that blinds the human heart, resists humility, and ultimately leads to eternal separation from God. Throughout history, humanity has wrestled with the temptation to be self-sufficient, morally autonomous, and spiritually independent from God. Yet Scripture consistently reveals that salvation is not achieved by human merit but received through faith in Christ alone.
This lesson therefore calls every reader to a posture of gratitude, repentance, humility, and unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ — the only Mediator between God and humanity. It challenges complacency, confronts spiritual arrogance, and reminds the redeemed that their salvation was purchased at an immeasurable cost. To be under the covering of the Blood is to live in divine protection, forgiveness, transformation, and eternal hope.
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THE PRICE OF REDEMPTION AND THE LOVE OF CHRIST
The death of Jesus on the cross stands as the greatest demonstration of divine love in history. He did not die for the righteous, but for sinners, rebels, and those who were once enemies of God’s holy ways. His sacrifice was not compelled by weakness, but motivated by love that transcends human understanding. To be covered by His Blood is to be freed from guilt, condemnation, and the eternal penalty of sin.
Many people fail to truly comprehend the magnitude of this sacrifice. They treat the Blood of Jesus lightly, as if it were a mere theological symbol rather than the very foundation of their salvation. Yet Scripture declares that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. Christ’s obedience unto death was the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, and through Him alone reconciliation with the Father is made possible.
To rejoice in the covering of the Blood is to acknowledge that salvation is entirely the work of God’s grace. It is to recognize that no human effort, morality, or religious practice could ever substitute for Christ’s atoning sacrifice. True gratitude flows from this understanding, producing worship, obedience, and a life transformed by love.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
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THE DECEPTION OF SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS
One of the most dangerous spiritual deceptions is the belief that human righteousness is sufficient before a holy God. Many imagine that good works, religious rituals, or moral integrity can earn divine acceptance. Yet such thinking rejects the very essence of the Gospel — that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works.
Those who attempt to establish their own righteousness unknowingly place themselves in opposition to God’s redemptive plan. They trust in their own wisdom, goodness, and spiritual autonomy rather than submitting to Christ as Savior. In doing so, they refuse the free gift of forgiveness purchased by His Blood.
When such individuals stand before God, they will be confronted with the truth that their righteousness was inadequate, their pride misplaced, and their rejection of Christ eternally consequential. The tragedy is not that they were incapable of being saved, but that they willingly rejected the only means of salvation.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9
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THE ANCIENT DECEPTION OF PRIDE
The temptation that seduced Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden remains active today. The serpent enticed them with the promise of divine-like knowledge and independence from God. Instead of elevation, their disobedience brought sin, separation, and banishment from God’s presence.
This same spirit of deception continues to lure humanity into rebellion. Pride whispers that human reasoning is superior to divine truth, that personal desires outweigh God’s commands, and that obedience is unnecessary. Those who succumb to this deception are spiritually blinded, morally corrupted, and ultimately led toward destruction.
Pride is the root of rebellion against God. It rejects humility, resists correction, and exalts self above the authority of Christ. Yet Scripture warns that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Those who cling to pride reject the very mercy that could save them.
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” — Proverbs 16:18
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THE CONSEQUENCE OF REJECTING CHRIST
To reject Jesus is to reject God’s only provision for forgiveness. There is no alternative pathway to heaven, no substitute savior, and no second plan of redemption. Those who refuse Christ choose separation from God by their own will.
Such individuals walk in spiritual deception, guided by pride and influenced by demonic deception rather than the Holy Spirit. They mock humility, despise repentance, and prefer flattering lies about their own goodness. Yet in their arrogance, they remain alienated from God’s grace.
Hell is not merely a place of punishment, but the final result of a lifetime of rejecting truth, rejecting Christ, and rejecting God’s mercy. It is filled with those who believed themselves wise, yet proved themselves foolish by refusing salvation.
“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” — John 3:36
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THE CLEANSING POWER OF THE BLOOD AND THE WORD
God’s desire is not to condemn humanity but to cleanse, restore, and transform them. True believers are those who allow the Blood of Jesus to purify their hearts and the Word of God to shape their lives. This inward cleansing produces humility, obedience, and a willingness to receive correction.
A genuine follower of Christ is not easily offended by truth, but welcomes discipline as a pathway to righteousness. They understand that God refines His people through His Spirit, molding them into the image of Christ.
The more one appreciates the sacrifice of Jesus, the more passionately they will pursue holiness. Salvation is not merely an event, but a lifelong journey of spiritual growth, guided by the Holy Spirit and rooted in divine love.
“If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” — 1 John 1:7
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THE WAY OF DIVINE LOVE AND TRUTH
The way of Jesus is the way of divine love — selfless, sacrificial, and rooted in truth. True believers are called to bear witness to this love through their lives, words, and actions. They are not passive or indifferent, but spiritually alert, active, and committed to the advancement of God’s truth.
God does not desire lukewarm or complacent believers. He calls His redeemed people to stand boldly for righteousness, to proclaim the Gospel fearlessly, and to walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit.
To return to pride after receiving forgiveness is to despise God’s mercy and embrace spiritual bondage once again. True salvation produces gratitude, devotion, and an unshakable commitment to Christ.
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us.” — Ephesians 5:1–2
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SUMMARY
This lesson has revealed the immeasurable value of the Blood of Jesus, the deception of self-righteousness, the destructive nature of pride, and the eternal consequences of rejecting Christ. It has emphasized that salvation is found only in Jesus, that humility is essential before God, and that true believers must live in gratitude, obedience, and devotion to the Holy Spirit.
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CONCLUSION
The message is clear and unchanging — Jesus is the only way to the Father. His Blood alone cleanses sin, His grace alone saves the soul, and His truth alone leads to eternal life. Pride leads to destruction, but humility leads to salvation. Every person must choose between Christ and self, between life and death, between heaven and hell.
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CALL TO ACTION
Examine your heart today. Repent of pride, surrender to Christ, and fully embrace the covering of His Blood. Live in obedience, walk in love, and boldly proclaim the Gospel. Do not delay, for tomorrow is not guaranteed.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Rejoice in Jesus, for in Him you have life, hope, and victory. Stand firm in faith, remain humble in spirit, and let the light of Christ shine through you. You are not alone — the Holy Spirit is with you, guiding, strengthening, and keeping you until the day of Christ’s return.
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SALVATION PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
I come before You in humility and repentance. I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again from the dead. I ask You to forgive me, cleanse me with the Blood of Jesus, and make me new. I surrender my life to You today. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, guide my steps, and help me to walk in obedience and truth. From this day forward, I choose Jesus as my Lord and Savior. In His holy name I pray, Amen.
