What About The Blood of Jesus?
By Alex Murashko
Science has already confirmed that life is in the blood.
“Blood is the cause not only of life in general but also of longer or short life, of sleep and watching, of genius, aptitude, and strength. It is the first to live and the last to die,” said William Harvey, who was a scientist, physician and educator in the early 1600s, credited with being the first known to describe completely the systemic circulation and properties of blood being pumped to the brain and body by the heart.
While some might be squeamish at the thought or sight of blood, it is well worthwhile for us to contemplate the power of blood, especially when it’s so clearly linked to our Creator. And in doing so, we can ask:
What about the blood of Jesus?
Are we talking about something more powerful than the life-giving physical force of human blood?
What can wash away my sin
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
– lyrics from “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus”
There’s power in the blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus washes away every sin.
The hymn, "Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus," was written in 1876 by Philadelphia-born Robert Lowry. The Baptist minister and professor at Bucknell University wrote the hymn as a reminder of what truly saves us from sin: the blood that Christ shed for us on the cross. He repeats the title phrase 12 times to emphasize how "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus" can "make me whole again" and "makes me white as snow.” (SongFacts) Many worship leaders have sung the song since it was first introduced by Lowry.
Why blood?
Where it began:
Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. – Hebrews 9:18
Long before Jesus came to Earth:
For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.” Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. – Hebrews 9:19-21
Why? Because:
…according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. – Hebrews 9:22
The importance of blood was established long before Jesus lived on earth and was crucified.
As recorded in the Old Testament, people sacrificed animals, which cleansed them from sin and made them ceremonially acceptable to God. The concept of sacrifice, blood, and forgiveness was already set for people to witness Jesus. He offered himself unblemished to God, shed his blood on the cross, and therefore obtained eternal redemption for us.
This act is infinitely more effective than animal sacrifices.
Sin or weakness can not end God's forgiveness!
Nothing can for sin atone
nothing but the blood of Jesus
Naught of good that I have done
nothing but the blood of Jesus
– lyrics from “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus”
Jesus’ paid the penalty for our sin so that we might live eternally with Him. He shed His blood for us, then rose from the grave and proclaimed victory over sin and death.
Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin.
For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’ – Leviticus 17:11
How powerful is the blood of Jesus?
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
– Ephesians 1:7
The blood of Jesus heals, redeems, and gives eternal life!
Alex Murashko leads the Thinke Writing Team and blogs at Media on Mission. Find him on various social media sites (@alexmurashko). GETTR username @MediaOnMission.