The blood of Christ covers all of our sins, but each of us must do personal business with God in order to experience his forgiveness.

Lewis B. Smedes’ quote touches on the central Christian belief of forgiveness through the blood of Christ, which symbolizes the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross for the sins of humanity. According to Christian doctrine, Jesus' sacrifice is seen as a means of atoning for the sins of mankind, offering the possibility of redemption for all. Smedes acknowledges that Christ’s sacrifice covers all sins, but the quote goes beyond the theological concept of atonement by emphasizing the personal responsibility of each individual.

Smedes suggests that while Christ's forgiveness is universal, each person must engage in personal business with God in order to experience it. This means that forgiveness is not automatic or impersonal; individuals must actively seek and accept this forgiveness through personal reflection, prayer, and repentance. This notion reflects the idea that salvation and spiritual renewal are deeply personal and require conscious, intentional action from each believer.

The idea of doing personal business with God emphasizes individual accountability in the Christian faith. It stresses that it is not enough to rely on the general sacrifice of Christ; one must individually acknowledge their sins and seek forgiveness. This personal connection with God is vital for spiritual transformation, as it involves a commitment to change, growth, and alignment with God's will.

Ultimately, Smedes' quote highlights both the grace of Christ’s sacrifice and the personal responsibility of each believer in accepting and embracing that forgiveness. It reinforces the belief that while God’s forgiveness is available to all, it must be actively received through personal faith and repentance.