From its storied and cryptic past, the mere whisper of the word blood unleashes a floodgate of images, thoughts, feelings and concepts. Blood drips from every nook and cranny of our culture. Our literature reeks with its crimson references—violent murders, ritualistic mutilation of bodies, slaughter and genocide. We shudder with haunting tales of vampire myths, blood sacrifices—both animal and human—and satanic ceremonies gory with bloodshed. Yet, blood has deep, covenantal meaning. Native-Americans would cut and join thumbs to make blood brothers, or, would often cut their forearms. At a casual glance, anyone could see a scar that indicated the bearer was in covenant. This cultural significance of blood underscores the attention the Word of God gives to it. Christ’s blood goes to the heart of our salvation. Take solemn note:
1. You are forgiven of all your sin. Theologically, you are returned to the state of innocence that Adam and Eve had before the fall. “Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins.” Hebrews 9:22. “… the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. “… Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” Revelation 1:5.
2. You have protection from judgment. God could not ignore the offense of sin. His holiness would not allow it. He spent all of His wrath on the body of Jesus Christ. When you plead the blood, you are spared from the wrath of God against sin. “… and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” Exodus 12:13.
3. You are a participant of Christ’s victory over Satan. You didn’t die on the cross; you didn’t spill your blood. You, however, join in Christ’s triumph over Satan at Calvary just as though you won the victory yourself. “And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony …” Revelation 12:11.
4. You are absolved and delivered from guilt. You are not only freed from the sentence against sin, you are also relieved of the guilt of sin. “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled …” Colossians 1:20. “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience …” Hebrews 9:14. Satan may not use your sin against you at though you are still guilty. Your freedom is not only legal and theological, it is emotional and psychological. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus … Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience …” Hebrews 10:19, 22. Christ’s blood not only sets you free, it restores your joy!
5. You have secured peace with God. The blood of Christ eliminates tension and animosity between you and God. It spares you the actual penalty of sin, and, by the same token, the blood relieves you God’s anger against you. “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him.” Colossians 1:20 (KJV). It is time to break forth in singing! “In sin I wandered sore and sad, with bleeding heart and aching head, ‘Till Jesus came and sweetly said, “I’ll take thy sins away.” Thank God for the blood! Thank God for the blood! Thank God for the blood! That washes white as snow!”