Understanding the Purpose of the Blood of Jesus Christ

None of the symbols associated with Christianity is as powerful or significant as the blood of Jesus Christ. Though steeped in mystery, it is essential to the core teachings of salvation in the Christian faith.

The blood of Jesus symbolizes atonement, redemption, and the inconceivable breadth and depth of the love of God for all sinners. It offers believers in Christ numerous advantages.

In this study, I cover the following aspects of the subject:

• the biblical purpose of the blood
• 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 those who believe, and
• why it is crucial for you to properly respond to the blood that Jesus Christ shed for you.

Those Who Can Use this Study

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

• those who are yet to trust in the blood of Jesus Christ for their salvation but are curious about why Jesus Christ shed His blood and died, and
• believers exploring Christian theology and doctrines to deepen their understanding.

In My Times of Ignorance

We must understand the most important reason Jesus shed His blood on the cross and died. Before I knew this, 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 trusting it for my salvation.

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.

But now that I understand the truth about the blood and sacrifice of Christ, I am eager to share it with everyone. And I hope 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 the 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.

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

The blood represents life. Life is taken when blood is shed. In the above passage, 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.

Modern Medicine Testifies to This

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 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 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, that of a special One.

The Purpose of the Blood of Jesus Christ

The question I answered in this section is this: why did Jesus Christ have to shed His blood on the cross and die? The answer is simple.

On the cross, Jesus Christ paid for our sins by His own life. Remember, the life is in the blood. So, Jesus gave His life by shedding His blood. And we can have life today by His blood which He willingly shed for us.

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

The following are the biblical purposes and applications of the blood of Jesus Christ:

1. It Provides Atonement and Forgiveness of Sin

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. Jesus Christ came and did just that.

He was the Lamb of God sacrificed for the sins of the world (John 1:29,36). He atoned for the sins of the whole world by shedding His blood on the cross. You do not have to take my words for it, just listen the Bible:

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; 26:28; 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.

Peace and Reconciliation through the Blood of Jesus Christ

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 his sins (which is eternal death – Romans 6:23).

When the price of sin is paid, God grants the sinner forgiveness. That is, 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 restores the broken relationship caused by sin and brings peace 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.

This peace is impossible without the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

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

See also: Colossians 1:20. Check out this link for more the benefits of justification.

2. It Cleanses and Sanctifies the Believers

Having atoned for our sins, the blood of Jesus Christ continues to cleanse and sanctify those who trust in Him, enabling them to live holy and righteous life.

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. Confession is agreeing with God concerning our sins, and not making excuses for them.

1 John 1:9 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), by the atoning work of Christ.

3. It 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 had 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.

4. It 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. 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). See Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24.

God dealt with Israel based the (Mosaic) Law. But now He deals with the believers in Christ based on grace and faith (John 1:17).

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.

Jesus Christ Shed His Blood Once for All

Christ’s atonement is the only and last 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

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 makes our redemption possible. It is the ransom that Christ paid.

No one could make this payment in any other way than the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ. God will not forgive anyone of their sins apart from the blood of Jesus Christ. “…without shedding of blood is no remission” Hebrews 9:22.

What we ought to realize is that God accepts no other blood or sacrifice for the remission of sins. This has been 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 Trusted in the Blood of Christ, God Washed and Forgave You, Once and For All

Based the above passages, 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!

You Must Trust in the Blood of Jesus Christ

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 the eternal damnation anyone who trusts in the blood of Jesus Christ. He forgives their sins and reconciles them to Himself (Ephesians 2:13; Hebrews 9:12).

Conversely, anyone who rejects the blood of Jesus will remain unforgiven and separated from God.

There Are No Other Ways

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.

You might be sincerely religious, 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 (See John 3:18, 36).

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:

Conclusion

I am glad you read this study to the end. As you reflect on the purpose of the blood of Jesus Christ, remember the sobering reality of your own sinfulness and the immense cost of redemption.

The shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ was not a mere historical event but a divine act of sacrificial love which echoes throughout eternity. 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.

It would therefore 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. Live in your new identity 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.

Thank you for reading!