Bought By The Blood

Text: 1 Corinthians 6:20

 In an age where spirituality often drifts away from the foundational truths of Christianity, the concept of the blood of Christ remains pivotal. As we delve into this topic, we recognize the   significance of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The notion of a bloodless religion mirrors the folly of Cain, who sought to worship God through his own efforts rather than through the divinely prescribed sacrifice (Genesis 4:3-5). It is critical to understand that Christ’s death on Calvary was not a mere symbolic act but a necessary atonement for humanity’s sins. This message will explore the multifaceted accomplishments of Christ’s blood, guiding both the believer and the seeker to a deeper appreciation of its power and relevance.

I. PURCHASED BY THE BLOOD (Acts 20:28)

A. Revealed by the Holy Ghost

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in revealing the significance of Christ’s blood. In Acts 20:28, Paul speaks to the elders of Ephesus, emphasizing that they should “take heed… to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” This declaration underscores the divine revelation imparted by the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for “purchased” (περιεποίησεν, periepoiesen) suggests a complete acquisition, indicating that the church belongs entirely to God through the blood of Christ. As commentator Matthew Henry notes, “The Holy Ghost is the great teacher and leader of the church; and it is his work to open the mysteries of the gospel, and to apply the redemption that Christ has wrought.” This understanding fortifies the believer’s faith, assuring them of their divine origin and eternal destiny.

B. Redeemed by the Blood

Redemption is a central theme in Christian theology, often illustrated through the concept of a ransom paid for freedom. The term “redeemed” in the biblical context (ἀγοράζω, agorazo) means to buy out of slavery. Paul, in addressing the Ephesian elders, emphasizes that the church is redeemed by Christ’s blood. This redemption is not merely a release from physical bondage but a liberation from the power of sin and death. As stated in Ephesians 1:7, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” This act of redemption transforms our relationship with God, moving us from enmity to sonship.

C. Regenerated by New Birth

The regenerative power of Christ’s blood is vividly depicted in the concept of new birth. Jesus explained to Nicodemus in John 3:5-6 that one must be “born of water and of the Spirit” to enter the kingdom of God. This new birth is made possible through the cleansing and life-giving power of the blood. The blood of Christ not only redeems but also regenerates, infusing new spiritual life into believers. Titus 3:5 reinforces this by stating, “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” The indwelling of the Holy Spirit, enabled by Christ’s sacrifice, initiates this new creation, making us heirs to eternal life.

II. POWER IN THE BLOOD (Revelation 12:11)

A. Save the Worst of Sinners

Revelation 12:11 declares, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.” This verse highlights the power of Christ’s blood to save even the most grievous sinners. The transforming power of the blood is not limited by the severity of sin. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became a devoted apostle, testifying to the saving grace of Jesus. In 1 Timothy 1:15, he proclaims, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” The blood of Christ reaches the depths of human depravity, offering forgiveness and a new beginning to all who believe.

B. Secure the Weakest of Saints

The power of the blood also provides security to the weakest believers. In our struggles and imperfections, the blood of Christ assures us of God’s unwavering commitment. Hebrews 7:25 affirms, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” This continuous intercession by Jesus, enabled by His shed blood, ensures that no believer is left unsupported. As Charles Spurgeon eloquently put it, “Our security does not depend upon our own strength, but upon the firmness of the foundation on which we are built, and that foundation is the atoning sacrifice of Jesus.”

C. Satisfy the Wants of Seekers

For those seeking truth and spiritual fulfillment, the blood of Christ satisfies the deepest longings. Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” is a testament to the sufficiency of His sacrifice. The blood of Christ meets every spiritual need, providing peace, forgiveness, and a restored relationship with God. Augustine of Hippo expressed this well: “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” The seeker finds ultimate satisfaction in the cleansing and redeeming power of Christ’s blood.

III. PRECIOUS IS THE BLOOD (1 Peter 1:19)

A. Sinless Son of God

Peter describes the blood of Christ as “precious,” a term indicating great value and worth. The preciousness of this blood is rooted in the sinless nature of Jesus. Unlike the sacrificial animals of the Old Testament, Jesus was “a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:19). His sinless life qualified Him as the perfect sacrifice, capable of atoning for the sins of humanity. The Greek word for “without blemish” (ἀμώμου, amomou) highlights the purity and perfection required for the ultimate sacrifice. This sinless nature of Christ underscores the immense value of His blood, setting it apart from all other offerings.

B. Salvation Stands on the Atonement

The atonement achieved through Christ’s blood is the cornerstone of Christian salvation. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22). This atonement is not merely a covering of sins but a complete removal, as illustrated in the Greek word for atonement (καταλλαγή, katallage), meaning reconciliation. Romans 5:11 states, “We also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Theologian John Stott remarked, “The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting Himself for man.” This substitutionary atonement is the foundation upon which our salvation stands.

C. Saved Totally Depends on This Finished Work

The completeness of salvation depends entirely on the finished work of Christ. Jesus’ declaration on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30), signifies the completion of His redemptive mission. The Greek term τετέλεσται (tetelestai) means “paid in full,” indicating that Christ’s sacrifice fully satisfied the requirements for our salvation. As believers, we rest in this finished work, confident that nothing can be added to or taken away from what Christ has accomplished. Martin Luther aptly stated, “The cross is the victory, the resurrection is the triumph.” Our faith is anchored in the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning blood.

IV. PROPITIATION OF THE BLOOD (Romans 3:25)

A. Stand in for the Saint

Propitiation, a key theological concept, refers to Christ standing in our place to satisfy the wrath of God. Romans 3:25 declares, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood.” The Greek term for propitiation (ἱλαστήριον, hilasterion) conveys the idea of appeasement and satisfaction. By His sacrificial death, Jesus absorbed the penalty of sin, thus turning away God’s wrath from us. As theologian Leon Morris explains, “Propitiation is the work of God himself. In his love, he provided the means of averting his own wrath.” This substitutionary act ensures that believers are no longer under condemnation but are justified in God’s sight.

B. Stays in Judgment of Almighty God

The propitiatory work of Christ’s blood averts the judgment of God upon the believer. Romans 5:9 asserts, “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” This divine judgment, which is a righteous response to sin, is fully satisfied in Christ’s sacrifice. The Greek term δικαιόω (dikaioo), meaning “to justify,” signifies a legal declaration of righteousness. Through faith in Christ’s blood, believers are not only acquitted but also declared righteous, shielding them from the impending judgment.

C. Strips Satan of His Power Over the Believer

The blood of Christ also nullifies the power of Satan over the believer. Hebrews 2:14 states, “That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” By His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them (Colossians 2:15). The Greek word καταργέω (katargeo), translated as “destroy,” means to render inoperative or powerless. This victory over Satan is grounded in the blood of Christ, ensuring that believers are no longer subject to his dominion but are free in Christ.

V. PEACE WROUGHT BY THE BLOOD (Colossians 1:20)

A. Peace with God

The blood of Christ establishes peace with God, reconciling us to Him. Colossians 1:20 proclaims, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself.” This reconciliation (καταλλάσσω, katallasso) signifies the restoration of a broken relationship. Through Christ’s sacrifice, the enmity between God and humanity is removed, bringing us into a state of peace. As William Barclay notes, “The central thought of reconciliation is the re-establishment of a broken relationship, and that is what the blood of Christ accomplishes.”

B. Peace of God

Beyond peace with God, the believer also experiences the peace of God. Philippians 4:7 assures us, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This peace, derived from the Greek term εἰρήνη (eirene), denotes a sense of wholeness and well-being. It is a divine tranquility that guards our hearts and minds amid life’s challenges. The blood of Christ, by securing our reconciliation with God, grants us access to this   peace.

C. Peace with Self and All Others

Finally, the blood of Christ enables peace within ourselves and with others. Ephesians 2:14-16 explains, “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us… that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.” The Greek term for “reconcile” (ἀποκαταλλάσσω, apokatallasso) suggests a complete restoration. Christ’s blood dismantles divisions, fostering unity and harmony among believers. This peace transforms our relationships, promoting forgiveness, understanding, and love.

VI. PURGED BY THE BLOOD (Hebrews 9:22)

A. Cleansed from the Past Curse

The cleansing power of Christ’s blood is essential for removing the past curse of sin. Hebrews 9:22 states, “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” The Greek word καθαρίζω (katharizo), meaning “to cleanse,” indicates a thorough purification. Through Christ’s sacrifice, the believer is cleansed from the guilt and curse of past sins, enabling a fresh start. As 1 John 1:7 affirms, “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

B. Clean from the Present Corruption

Beyond past sins, the blood of Christ also purifies us from present corruption. The ongoing sanctifying work of the blood ensures that we are continually cleansed from the defilements of this world. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This continuous cleansing (καθαρισμός, katharismos) enables believers to walk in purity and holiness, free from the stain of sin.

C. Clothed with the Purity of Christ

Ultimately, the blood of Christ clothes us with His purity. Revelation 7:14 describes the saints as those “who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” This imagery of white robes symbolizes the righteousness and purity imputed to believers through Christ’s sacrifice. The Greek term for “washed” (πλένω, pluno) emphasizes a complete and thorough cleansing. By the blood of Christ, we are not only cleansed but also adorned with His righteousness, enabling us to stand blameless before God.

VII. PASSOVER OF THE BLOOD (Hebrews 11:28)

A. Starting of the Hebrew Nation, Delivered by the Blood, Prepared for a Journey

The Passover event marks the beginning of the Hebrew nation, highlighting the deliverance through blood. Hebrews 11:28 refers to Moses’ faith in observing the Passover, where the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from the angel of death. This event symbolizes deliverance and preparation for the journey to the Promised Land. The blood of Christ serves a similar purpose for believers, marking the beginning of our spiritual journey and delivering us from the bondage of sin.

B. Stopped at the Pascal Supper, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Sinless Son of God

The Passover celebration, with its emphasis on unleavened bread, points to the sinless nature of Christ, the Lamb of God. Jesus, during the Last Supper, reinterpreted this meal in light of His impending sacrifice. 1 Corinthians 5:7 proclaims, “For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.” The unleavened bread represents His sinlessness, and the blood symbolizes the new covenant, providing eternal deliverance.

C. Symbol of the Sacrificed Lamb’s Shed Blood for Deliverance

The sacrificial lamb’s blood in the Passover prefigures Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. John the Baptist’s declaration in John 1:29, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world,” connects the Passover lamb to Jesus. The blood of Christ, like the Passover lamb, signifies deliverance and protection. Through His shed blood, believers are delivered from sin and granted eternal life.

In conclusion, the blood of Christ is central to the Christian faith, accomplishing redemption, purification, reconciliation, and peace. It is the foundation of our salvation, the source of our sanctification, and the guarantee of our eternal inheritance. Understanding and appreciating the multifaceted significance of Christ’s blood empowers us to live in the fullness of the salvation He has provided.