The Calvary Road #14 – The Power of the Blood of Jesus

Though we might understand life and death in more scientific and medical terms today, in the minds of the ancient world, “the life of a creature is in the blood”.

Thus in the Old Testament, God ordered and accepted animal sacrifices in making atonement for the sins of his people. “It is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life” (Leviticus 17:11).

This theme is carried into the New Testament through Christ’s atoning death for us.

• Christ’s death reconciled us to God “by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:20).

• “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ . . . cleanse our consciences . . . so that we may serve the living God!” (Hebrews 9:14).

• We have confidence in prayer “to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19).

• As we walk in God’s light, “the blood of Jesus . . . purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

• We triumph over Satan “by the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 12:11).

Thus we can say, “There is power in the blood of Jesus!” Peace-giving power! Shame-covering power! Prayer-asking power! Sin-purifying power! Satan-overcoming power!

It is the blood of the Lamb, not the blood of a warrior, that has power. It is Jesus “the Lamb of God” who took away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Jesus is not merely the Lamb because he died on the cross. He died upon the cross because he is the Lamb. He died for us willingly, sacrificially, humbly, vicariously.

We may want to be set free from some sin and to know peace in our hearts. But unless we are willing to be broken on the point in question and humble ourselves, nothing will happen.

Yet as we look upon the Lamb, who bowed his head for us on the cross, we bow in brokenness and repentance.

Confessing, repenting, surrendering, apologizing, and making restitution are all reversals of our pride and self-centeredness – acts which are always humbling. In our brokenness before God and others, we experience again the power of the blood of Jesus. And we walk with God, in his light, and with his peace.

Which aspect of the atoning blood of Jesus is especially meaningful to you?

~ Pastor Dave