The Blood of Jesus

The presence of blood equals life (Gen. 9:4). Physical blood makes physical life possible, while God’s design of the shedding of blood makes spiritual life possible. Everything that God has ever designed and taught about blood — even going all the way back to the Old Law — points us to Jesus Christ. Salvation is in the blood, and more specifically, Jesus’ blood.

The gospel message is a redemptive message — redemption that is only available through the blood of Jesus Christ. Sin separates us from God (Is. 59:1-2), and Christ’s blood is the divine remedy (Rom. 5:8-9).

The blood of Christ does a number of things, but let’s look at four:

Jesus’ blood was shed for everyone (Heb. 2:9; II Cor. 5:14): Jesus shed His blood for all men. However, not all men are saved (Matt. 7:13-14, 21). The blood of Jesus must be applied by being baptized into Christ. Baptism is how you get into the death of Christ, which is where the blood is. Our faith must be in the power of the blood.

The church was purchased with the blood of Christ: The church is a blood-bought institution. The blood of Jesus was the price that was paid so we might be a part of the New Testament church (Acts 20:28). We are a purchased people (I Cor. 6:19-20).

We remember His blood: We’re humans. We’re prone to forget. God left us a memorial, lest we forget that blood (Matt. 26:26-29). The Lord’s Supper is that memorial. The Lord’s Supper is special — last week, this week, next week — every week.

Our conscience is cleansed by the blood of Christ (Heb. 9:14): Our conscience is cleansed of dead works. Baptism alone does nothing but get us wet. It must be driven by faith; a conscience that says, “I want to be right with God. I want to deal with the sin of which I’m guilty.” Our conscience can finally be at peace because we know we’ve been forgiven.

We all need the blood of Jesus. And rest assured, Jesus’ blood will never fail to pay off every spiritual debt you ever owe, as long as you resolve to live for Jesus.

— By Steven Matthews