From the sacrifices offered in the Old Testament all the way to the cross of Christ at Calvary, the blood has always been crucial to redemption. But why is the blood of Jesus so important? Have you ever wondered what the purpose of the blood of Jesus is for your life?

In Christianity, nothing is as powerful and significant as the blood of Jesus Christ. It is essential to the core teachings of the Christian salvation. The blood of Jesus symbolizes atonement, redemption, and the inconceivable breadth and depth of the love of God for sinners. It offers believers in Christ numerous advantages.

In this study, I will fully address the following aspects of the subject:

• the biblical purpose of the blood beginning in the Old Testament,
• the significance and purpose of the blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the believers’ atonement and redemption,
• the transformative power and eternal significance of the blood of Jesus Christ to every believer,
• why it is crucial for you to properly respond to the blood that Jesus Christ shed for you, and
• the awareness of the consequences for disregarding it.

So prepare to encounter the life-changing and life-giving power of Christ’s blood.

Those Who Can Use This Study

My goal with this study is to educate my readers on the biblical purpose for which Christ shed His blood and died. This study is suitable for:

• those who are yet to trust in the blood of Jesus Christ for their salvation but are open-minded and curious about why Jesus Christ shed His blood and died,
• believers exploring Christian theology and doctrines to deepen their own understanding or teach others, and
• anyone generally curious about what the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are all about.

When we think of the blood of Jesus Christ, we must connect it to His sacrifice and the reason He did it. This helps us remember the reason why He shed His blood on the cross and died.  Many people often forget this and end up taking Christ’s blood for a magic potion.

I used to be one of them. Before I knew the truth that I share in this study, I thought the blood of Jesus was just something you invoke when in distress. Just like many still do today, I applied the “blood of Jesus” for many non-biblical reasons except for trusting in it for my salvation.

Ignorance: The Greatest Disease

This of course was the tragic result of my ignorance. I saw the blood of Jesus Christ as a magical power or tool to make my problems disappear or to turn negative situations around.

It was truly transformative for me to realize that in the shedding of His blood, Jesus Christ fully paid the ransom for my redemption. He secured my freedom and deliverance from the captivity and judgment of sin. This has been a source of daily joy and rejoicing for me.

And now that I understand this truth about the purpose of the blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, I am eager to share it with anyone and everyone who would listen.  I hope and pray that it is a blessing to you!

Find more life-changing teachings and preaching on Grace Tidings YouTube Channel.

What Does the Blood Represent Spiritually?

The Bible specifically states that the blood is the life of the flesh. Note that “the flesh” here refers to the body and not our sin nature.

Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Simply put, the blood represents life! Life is taken when blood is shed.

Modern Medicine Testifies

The modern medicine acknowledges the truth about the life in the blood. Doctors would often recommend blood transfusion to sustain the life of a sick person, especially for someone one who had recently lost plenty of blood.

The Old Testament Foundation of the Purpose of the Blood

In the above passage (Leviticus 17:11), God forbids the eating of blood in Israel. He tells them that the life of the flesh is in the blood, and that the blood is meant for an atonement. (More on atonement later. But for now, see the context in Leviticus 17:10-12). See also:  Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:14; 19:16; Deuteronomy 12:23; Matthew 27:4,24.

When an animal was killed on the sacrificial altar of the Old Testament, its life was taken in the place of the one who sinned and for whom the sacrifice was offered.

The Importance of the Blood According to the Bible

Since the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), every sin must be atoned for by the death (shedding of blood) of something or somebody. We began to see this right from the Garden of Eden when the blood atonement was first typified (Genesis 3:21).

The Bible says that the blood is meant “to make an atonement for your souls” Leviticus 17:11. Therefore, there is no atonement or forgiveness of sin without the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22).

The above is true both in the Old and the New Testaments. The Old Testament (OT) was full of the shedding of animals’ blood. This was replaced by the New Testament (NT) which was also established by the shedding of blood. But this time, a special One.

Understanding The Purpose of the Blood of Jesus Christ: A Biblical Overview

Why did Jesus Christ have to shed His blood on the cross and die? What’s so significant about the blood of Jesus Christ? Why do Christians make such a big deal about it? The answer is simple: it due to the tremendous impact it has in the lives of those who believe in it.

In this section, I will explore in details five life-changing biblical truths about the significance and purpose of the blood of Jesus Christ.

1. Redemption: The Blood of Jesus Provides Atonement and Forgiveness of Sin

The shedding of blood is necessary for atonement. An atonement in this case is a payment made on behalf of the one who sinned to redeem him from the penalty of sins.

Sin is disobedience against God. We have all done it (Romans 3:23), and continue to do it. The ultimate wages of sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). That is, eternity in the lake of fire. We therefore need a serious rescue.

Christ Dies in Our Stead

Jesus Christ came and rescued us. He was the Lamb of God sacrificed for the sins of the world (John 1:29,36). He atoned for all sins by shedding His precious blood on the cross. He fully paid for your sins by His own life so you could be completely forgiven.

Remember, the life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11), and there is no remission without the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). So, Jesus gave His life by shedding His blood. And you can have life today by His blood which He willingly shed for sinners like myself and you. You do not have to take my words for it, just listen the Bible:

Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Romans 3:23-25 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.

See also: Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 6:53-56; Romans 5:9; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 1:6-7; 2:13; Colossians 1:12-14, 20; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:12-14; 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2,18-19; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5-6; 5:9; 7:14; 12:11.

The sacrifice of Christ was the ultimate sacrifice for sin and the only means of reconciling man with God. Because of His blood, we are justified before God when we trust in Him as our personal Savior and Lord. God forgives and sets us free from wrath.

2. Reconciliation: We Have Peace with God Through the Blood of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ purchased our forgiveness on the cross with His blood. Therefore, when a sinner trusts in Christ, God forgives his sins and he stands justified before God. This is exactly why Jesus Christ died and rose again.

The forgiveness (or justification) through the blood of Jesus Christ fully restores the broken relationship caused by sin and brings peace and reconciliation between the sinner and God.

Romans 5:1-2  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

See also: Colossians 1:20. This peace is impossible without the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  [Check out this link for more the benefits of justification.]

There is no peace until you are at peace with the Prince of Peace – John MacArthur.

As a result of this reconciliation, we now have direct access to God (Ephesians 2:13), and are encouraged to come boldly (Hebrews 4:16). Sin creates separation (Isaiah 59:1-2), but the blood brings reconciliation (Colossians 1:12-14).

3. Renewal: The Blood of Jesus Cleanses and Sanctifies the Believers

Having atoned for the believers’ sins, the blood of Jesus Christ continues to cleanse, sanctify, and enable them to live holy and righteous life.

Jesus Christ was the One who died (and rose again) for our sins. He is also the One who now makes intercession for us with God the Father (Romans 8:26).

1 John 2:1-2  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Our Struggle with Sin

This sanctification is important because after God had forgiven the believers, they are still capable of committing sins. The Bible states that anyone who denies this (believers included) is a liar and the truth is not in him.

1 John 1:8  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

However, we the believers are to avoid sins (1 John 2:1). But whenever we sin, we are to confess it to God and He will cleanse us “from all sin”. Confession is agreeing with God concerning your sins, and not making excuses for them.

1 John 1:7,9 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Through His shed blood, Jesus Christ cleanses, purifies, and sanctifies the believers. This allows us to approach God with confidence, “not by the work of righteousness which we have done” (Titus 3:5), but by the atoning work of Christ.

4. Resurrection: The Blood of Jesus Guarantees Eternal Victory for the Believers

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ bring absolute victory to all who trust in Him. His blood guarantees total freedom and victory over sin, the flesh, the world, the devil and the powers of darkness, as well as death.

Moreover, it secures eternal life for all who believe. No more fear of death or of any threat to our lives.

Hebrews 2:14-15  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Victorious Even Over Death

The believers in Christ are so victorious that even their worst enemy can no longer truly hurt them. The enemy may kill our bodies, but that is where their power ends (Matthew 10:28). God has eternally secured the believers’ souls in Christ.

This is part of the implications of the eternal life that believers received in Christ. Thus, instead of the spirit of fear, God gave us the spirit “of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7.

Death is gain for the believers in Christ. They may die physically, but death only marks the beginning of our freedom from all the troubles of this life.

It is the transition into the pleasure of eternity with our Saviour. Nowhere else is such victory guaranteed except in Christ. Refer to 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 and Revelation 12:11. If you are reading this as a genuine believer in Jesus Christ, I encourage you to walk in this victory!

5. Ratification: The Blood of Jesus Establishes the New Testament

The Old Testament (OT) was a covenant between God and the children of Israel. This was established with the blood of animals as God instructed Moses.

Exodus 24:6-8 And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. 8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

A Pointer to the New Testament (NT)

Everything done under the OT foreshadowed the NT. For instance, the animal sacrifices of the OT pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins.

Due to the failure of Israel under the OT, God promises to establish a new one. Please see Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:6-12 for more details.

The Blood of Jesus Christ Established the NT

Just like the OT was established by the blood (of animals), the NT was also established by the blood (of Jesus Christ).

Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

1 Corinthians 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

Under the New Covenant, God had reconciled the believer unto Himself, and they can approach Him directly because of the work of Christ, our Mediator (Ephesians 2:13).

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Another significance of the NT is the blessings and inheritance (Ephesians 1:3, Galatians 3:8-9; 1 Peter 1:3-5) reserved for the believers in Christ. There is no match for these blessings under the Law. Unfortunately, many so-called NT believers completely miss this and still run back under the Law to seek blessings.

Divine Purpose of the Blood of Jesus Fulfilled: He Shed His Blood Once for All

This is one perfect blood, once for all, for everyone, forever! Christ’s atonement is the only sufficient and acceptable atonement (payment) for sin. The Bible refers to it as “once for all” sacrifice as you will see in the passages below.

1 Peter 3:18  For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Hebrews 10:10-14 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

See also: Hebrews 7:26-27; Hebrews 9:24-28.

The Implications of Christ’s Sacrifice: How the Shed Blood of Jesus Impacts You

There are two major implications of the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ for sins, namely:

1. Redemption is Only Possible by the Blood of Jesus Christ

Redemption is the buying back of something that is in the possession of another person. We call the price a ransom. In our case, our redemption is the rescuing of our soul from hell, which we earned as the wages of our sins (Romans 6:23).

The blood of Jesus Christ is the means of our redemption. It is the divine ransom that Christ pays to secure it. No other form of payment could ever be sufficient or acceptable to God. Hebrews 9:22 declares, “…without shedding of blood is no remission.” This remission of sins must come through Christ’s own blood, as it was divinely ordained “from the foundation of the world”.

1 Peter 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.

2. When You Trust in the Blood of Christ, God Washes and Forgives You, Once and For All

Jesus Christ will not die for sin again. His sacrifice had atoned for all sins past, present, and future. Therefore, the forgiveness of sin (justification) that a believer receives is permanent.

Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Upon believing in Jesus Christ, God grants the believer eternal life. And He secures this life in Christ (John 5:24; 10:27-30; 1 John 5:11-12). What this means is that a genuinely saved person will always be saved.

 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

If you are saved today, you can take comfort in this and live your life to honor God. And if you are not saved, what are you waiting for? Christ has paid the price!

Your Response: You must Trust in the Blood of Jesus Christ

The only wise response to the purpose of the blood of Jesus Christ is for you to trust in Him as your personal Savior and Lord. You are left with no other choice.

From the day that Christ shed His blood on the cross, there came an end to any other effort or sacrificial blood shed for sin. God accepted the sacrifice of Christ as the only sufficient atonement for sin.

Thus, God will redeem from eternal damnation anyone who trusts in the blood of Jesus Christ. He will forgive their sins and reconcile them to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19; Ephesians 2:13; Hebrews 9:12).

Your Salvation Depends on the Blood of Jesus Christ, Trust in Him Today.

Salvation is deliverance from the penalty of sin which is eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8). Jesus Christ made salvation possible when He suffered, shed His blood and died in our place. You must therefore trust in His blood to be saved.

What it means to trust in the blood is to admit you are a sinner who cannot save him/herself. Believe that Christ has died in your place, shed His blood to fully pay the penalty of your sins. And that He was buried and He rose again for your justification.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

If you believe this with all you heart, you will be saved. Conversely, anyone who rejects the blood of Jesus will remain unforgiven and separated from God.

Consequences of Neglecting the Purpose of the Blood of Jesus

Disregarding the atoning work of Christ or the divine purpose of the blood He shed for you comes with serious consequences. There are no other ways around the penalty for sins.

You cannot replace the blood of Christ with good works, praying without ceasing, fasting, helping and loving others, attending Church services, giving more money, or any other human efforts. The Bible never says that the wages of sin is good works!

You might be sincerely religious, generous, and hard-working, but if you have not trusted in Christ’s shed blood for the forgiveness of your sins, you are still an unforgiven sinner under the wrath of God. Listen to Jesus Christ Himself and make a wise decision:

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

You have nothing to lose by trusting in Christ, but eternity to gain! Run from the wrath of God and embrace His love for you today.

Do not wait or postpone this decision. You are not promised tomorrow. The good news of salvation is only good while you are still alive. If you die without Christ, you will face the eternal wrath of God. But with all that Christ has done for you, why would you still choose to suffer?

Conclusion: Learn, Believe, and Live

I am glad you read this study to the end. As you think about the purpose of the blood of Jesus Christ, remember the reality of your sins against God and the cost of redemption. The blood of Jesus Christ serves as an amazing ransom to redeem sinners and transform the lives of believers.

Christ shedding His blood is a demonstration of God’s love for all people (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). It is a call to humility, repentance, complete trust in Jesus Christ, and gratitude for His blessings.

The Call to Trust in Jesus Christ

This is an invitation to repent from your sins and embrace the fullness of God’s grace. It is a call to live in the freedom and victory that Christ secured on the cross for those who believe in Him.

Through the shedding of His blood, Jesus Christ offers hope, salvation, and eternal life to all who believe. Will you embrace this purpose of the blood of Jesus, or treat it as cheap grace?

It would be unfortunate for you to have this knowledge and still put off your decision. Act now, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (Acts 16:30-31).

The Call to “Stand Fast” in Jesus Christ

If God has already saved you, then approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that through the blood of Jesus Christ, you have been cleansed, redeemed, and made new. Reflect deeply on Christ’s and live in your new identity daily for the honor and glory of God.

2 Corinthians 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

May your life bear witness to the transformative power of His blood, shining as beacons of hope in a world desperate for the saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I encourage you to take some time this week to meditate on the verses that I share here about the purpose of the blood of Jesus. Take a moment today to thank God today for the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

If you found this study helpful, please share it with those within your reach.

Discussion & Reflection: Living Out the Purpose of the Blood of Jesus

Below are some thought-provoking questions for your personal reflection or group discussion if you are part of one:

1. What personal impact does the purpose of the blood of Jesus have on your spiritual journey?
2. How has accepting Christ’s sacrifice transformed your life?
3. In what ways can you actively live out the redemption offered by His blood?
4. What obstacles do you face in fully embracing this divine purpose?
5. How does Leviticus 17:11 shape your view of the purpose of the blood of Jesus?
6. In what ways did Christ fulfill that purpose more fully than Old Testament sacrifices?
7. How has understanding this purpose changed your relationship with God?
8. What barriers keep you from living in the daily power of His blood?
9. What steps will you take to honor the purpose of the blood of Jesus this month?

Thank you for reading!