The blood of Jesus is one of the most powerful and central themes in Christian theology. It represents the ultimate sacrifice that was made for the forgiveness of sins, for the redemption of mankind, and for the reconciliation of humanity with God. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and the shedding of His blood is not just an event in history; it is the foundation of Christian faith, the cornerstone of salvation, and the essence of God’s grace.
Throughout the Bible, the blood of Jesus is described in various ways: as the means of atonement, as the symbol of a new covenant, and as the conduit through which believers receive forgiveness and purification. In this article, we will explore 15 scriptures that highlight the significance of Jesus’ blood, drawing from both the Old and New Testaments. These verses help us understand the depth of God’s love, the power of Jesus’ sacrifice, and the eternal implications of His blood for all who believe.
15 Scriptures on the Blood of Jesus
1. Hebrews 9:22 – The Power of Blood for Atonement
“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (KJV)
This verse establishes a critical principle found throughout the Bible: blood is necessary for the remission of sins. In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were used to atone for the sins of the people, but these sacrifices were temporary and symbolic. The shedding of Jesus’ blood, however, was the final and ultimate sacrifice that completely atoned for the sins of mankind once and for all. His blood broke the chains of sin, providing a permanent way for humanity to be reconciled to God.
2. Matthew 26:28 – The New Covenant in His Blood
“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (KJV)
When Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples, He explained that His blood would be the means through which a new covenant would be established. The new covenant would replace the old covenant, and through His blood, Jesus would secure forgiveness for all who believe. The shedding of Jesus’ blood, which occurred on the cross, marked the beginning of a new era of salvation—one that was no longer dependent on animal sacrifices but on the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God.
3. 1 Peter 1:18-19 – The Precious Blood of Jesus
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (KJV)
In this passage, Peter emphasizes the great price paid for our redemption—the precious blood of Jesus Christ. The term “precious” highlights the immeasurable value of Christ’s sacrifice. Unlike the transient things of this world, such as silver or gold, the blood of Jesus provides an eternal redemption, rescuing believers from sin and death. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was without sin and spotless, making His sacrifice pure and acceptable to God.
4. Ephesians 1:7 – Redemption Through His Blood
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” (KJV)
Paul reminds the Ephesian believers that their redemption and forgiveness of sins are made possible through the blood of Jesus. It is not by human effort, wealth, or works that redemption is attained but through the blood of Jesus. His blood was the means through which God’s grace was made available to all who believe. Redemption, therefore, is not a temporary or conditional thing but an eternal gift freely given through the sacrifice of Christ.
5. Colossians 1:20 – Reconciliation Through the Blood of Jesus
“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” (KJV)
The reconciliation that comes through Jesus’ blood is profound. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus not only reconciles individuals to God but also restores harmony to all of creation. The blood of Jesus bridges the gap that sin created between God and man, bringing peace and restoration to the world. It is through His blood that believers are brought back into right relationship with God and are granted peace.
6. Revelation 1:5 – The Blood That Cleanses
“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” (KJV)
This powerful scripture affirms that Jesus’ love for humanity was demonstrated in the ultimate way—by shedding His blood for the cleansing of our sins. The blood of Jesus cleanses believers from all unrighteousness. It purifies and washes away the stains of sin, allowing believers to stand blameless before God. This cleansing is not just a momentary act but a continual process for those who remain in Christ.
7. Hebrews 10:19-22 – Access to God Through the Blood
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (KJV)
The blood of Jesus opens the way for believers to enter into the very presence of God. Before Jesus’ sacrifice, access to God was limited and mediated through a high priest. But through Jesus’ blood, believers now have direct access to the Father. The old system of sacrifices and rituals is replaced by a new and living way, where we can approach God with full confidence, having been cleansed by the blood of Christ.
8. 1 John 1:7 – Fellowship and Cleansing in the Blood
“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.” (KJV)
The blood of Jesus is not only for our salvation but also for our ongoing fellowship with God. As we walk in the light, meaning in obedience and communion with God, the blood of Jesus continually cleanses us from sin. This cleansing is a present, ongoing work that ensures our relationship with God remains intact, even as we face the challenges of life.
9. Romans 5:9 – Justification by His Blood
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (KJV)
Justification is the legal declaration of righteousness before God, and it is through the blood of Jesus that believers are justified. Before Christ’s sacrifice, humanity stood guilty before God. But because of His blood, we are declared righteous, not by anything we have done, but by the work of Jesus on the cross. Through His blood, we are saved from God’s wrath and are reconciled to God.
10. John 6:53-56 – Eternal Life Through His Flesh and Blood
“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (KJV)
In this profound teaching, Jesus connects the consumption of His flesh and blood with eternal life. While this passage is often understood as a reference to the Lord’s Supper, it symbolizes the believer’s identification with Christ and participation in His sacrifice. Jesus’ blood represents His life given for us, and by partaking in it, believers receive eternal life, both now and in the age to come.
11. Acts 20:28 – The Church Bought with His Blood
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (KJV)
The church is not a mere organization; it is the precious possession of God, purchased by the blood of Jesus. This verse emphasizes the high cost of salvation and the value God places on His church. The blood of Jesus secured the church’s redemption and is the foundation upon which it stands. It is through His blood that the church is made holy and set apart for God’s purposes.
12. Hebrews 13:12 – Sanctification Through the Blood
“Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.” (KJV)
The blood of Jesus not only justifies believers but also sanctifies them. Sanctification refers to the process of becoming holy and set apart for God. Jesus’ blood is the means by which believers are purified and made holy. His sacrifice enables us to live lives that reflect God’s holiness, and through His blood, we are continually being conformed to the image of Christ.
13. Isaiah 53:5 – The Suffering Servant’s Blood for Healing
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes, we are healed.” (KJV)
This prophetic verse from Isaiah speaks of the suffering servant, a clear reference to Jesus, and highlights the physical and spiritual healing that would come through His blood. Jesus’ wounds and suffering were not just for the forgiveness of sins but also for the healing of humanity. His blood carries the power to heal both the soul and the body, bringing peace and restoration to all who believe.
14. Revelation 12:11 – Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (KJV)
The blood of Jesus empowers believers to overcome the enemy. This verse is a declaration of the victory that believers have through the blood of the Lamb. By the blood of Jesus, we have victory over sin, death, and the devil. The power of the blood is not only for salvation but also for spiritual warfare and the triumph over every opposition.
15. Romans 3:25 – Propitiation by His Blood
“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.” (KJV)
The blood of Jesus serves as a propitiation, meaning it satisfies the wrath of God against sin. Jesus’ death on the cross appeased God’s righteous anger, and through His blood, the penalty for sin was paid. This act of grace and mercy allows God to forgive sins and declare believers righteous, offering them peace with God through faith in Christ.
Conclusion
The blood of Jesus is the very foundation of the Christian faith. It is through His blood that believers are forgiven, redeemed, sanctified, and reconciled to God. These 15 scriptures provide a powerful overview of the significance of Jesus’ blood in the life of every believer. His blood cleanses, heals, and empowers, offering eternal life and victory over sin and death. As Christians, we are called to remember and celebrate the power of the blood of Jesus in our daily lives, for it is through His blood that we have hope, peace, and salvation.
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