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BLOOD has great significance in the Bible Part 3

Blood of Christ--meaning and effects the term "blood of Christ" designates in the New Testament the atoning death of Christ. Atonement refers to the basis and process by which estranged people become at one with God (atonement = at-one-ment). When we identify with Jesus, we are no longer at odds with God. The meaning of Christ's death is a great mystery. The New Testament seeks to express this meaning in two ways: (1) in the language of sacrifice, and (2) in language pertaining to the sphere of law. This sacrificial language and legal language provide helpful analogies. However, the meaning of Christ's death is far more than an enlargement of animal sacrifices or a spiritualization of legal transactions. Sometimes, both legal and sacrificial language is found together.

In the language of sacrifice we have "expiation" (removal of sins, Romans 3:25); "sprinkling of the blood of Jesus" (1 Pet. 1:1-2); "redeemed by precious blood as of a lamb without spot and without blemish" (1 Pet. 1:19); "blood of His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7); "blood that cleanses the conscience" (Heb. 9:14); and "blood of an eternal covenant" (Heb. 13:20). In legal language we have "justification" (Rom. 5:9); "redemption" (Eph. 1:7); been redeemed to God by His blood (Rev. 5:9). Such metaphors show that only God could provide atonement; Jesus, the God-man was both Priest and offering, both Redeemer and the One intimately involved with the redeemed.

BLOOD has great significance in the Bible Part 3

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