I bet that got your attention! We don’t hear much about the blood of Jesus, but it was His blood that secured our salvation, and I’m not sure that we will ever fully understand the wonder of it all but I’ll try to present the case or should I say the opening statement.
Jesus Himself said, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (Jn. 15:13) Which is exactly what He did.
The very mention of, or the sight of blood immediately draws attention to a situation like nothing else. As a child, my son sustained an injury to his ear and I knew it must have been pretty bad because he came running in the house whereas it usually takes wild horses to get him in from play. I must say he was very calm about the injury until his dear sister came in behind him, took one look at the injury and with a deep breath let out a tremendous gasp because of the blood she saw! Suddenly the total climate of the situation changed, his eyes filled with tears and his next words were, “Is it bleeding?” My daughter was very helpful that day!
Blood is life giving and sustaining any interruption to the natural flow can be devastating. “For the life of the flesh is in the blood…” (Lev. 17:11)
Blood defines a relationship, it says we’re connected and it gives value to those involved, it also defines the depth of a relationship. We say things like “blood relative, blood brother or sister and blood is thicker than water.” And just think that God would give His only begotten Son Jesus (someone He valued) to convey to us that He values us and desires to be connected to us through a relationship with Jesus. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Jn. 3:16)
The blood of Jesus demands our attention! The Bible speaks of the blood from Genesis to Revelation just as it speaks of Jesus from Genesis to Revelation. In the Old Testament (O.T.) blood is mentioned 360 times and 99 times in the New Testament (N.T.). We’re taught the significance of blood in the Old Testament but in the New Testament we’re taught the value of it because it’s Jesus blood. “For as much as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold…but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (I Pet. 1: 18 - 19
In the O.T. God gave animal blood to be used as a sign of a covenant, established with a nation of people (Ex. 24: 7 –8).
In the N.T. Jesus blood was also shed as a sign of a covenant but established with as many as would receive Him (Matt. 26: 28).
In the O.T. the blood of animals was used for remission (forgiveness) of sins (Lev. 17: 11) for Heb. 9: 22 says, “And without shedding of blood there is no remission.” But it also tells us that the shedding of animal blood was only a shadow of good things to come and a temporary solution (Heb. 10: 1 – 4 & 12).
In the N.T. Jesus blood was given as the offering for forgiveness of sins and eternal redemption (Eph. 1: 7; Col. 1: 14 & Heb. 9: 12).
Once we’ve been redeemed by the blood of Jesus it opens the door to God for …
Reconciliation (Eph. 2: 13), every blessing God has we have been brought near by the blood of Jesus to receive it!
Peace (Col. 1: 20), because we are at one with God through the blood of Jesus we can carry out God’s kingdom agenda, His will and purpose. What an awesome priviledge!
Access (Heb. 10: 19), we may not have access to the Oval Office but we have a better promise of open access to be in the very presence of the LORD of Lords and KING of kings!
Justification (Rom. 5: 9), there’s nothing so bad that the blood of Jesus can’t take care of, our only crime would be to NOT accept the plea bargain God offers to us.
Grace and Mercy (Heb. 12: 24), by the blood of Jesus we have grace and mercy for every situation we encounter, that’s why the song says…”Your grace and mercy brought me through!”
Sanctification (Heb. 13: 12), we have been set apart unto God for His good pleasure and purpose; talk about being special!
Fellowship (I Jn. 1: 7 – 9), when we get dirty (sin), and we will, we can wash in the blood of Jesus by confessing it. Confession maintains our fellowship with God.
Everlasting covenant (Heb. 13:20), that’s what communion is all about, we keep reaffirming our never ending covenant with the LORD!
In conclusion, the evidence has been presented and the facts are clear… “For it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” (Lev. 17: 11)
It has been said that sin cost you more than you’re willing to spend, it takes you farther than you’re willing to go and it keeps longer than you’re willing to stay. We may have started out willing but somewhere along the road it turned into bondage, but the good news is redemption through the blood of Jesus is available; today is the day of salvation!
Be Blessed!
Wanda