Blood: The Sacred Symbol of Life and Atonement in Scripture

Blood, as both a physical life-sustaining fluid and a profound spiritual symbol, holds a central place in biblical revelation. Its significance spans from ancient sacrificial rituals to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, representing life, atonement, cleansing, and victory over sin and death.

The Blood of Sacrifice and Atonement

In the Old Testament, the offering of blood from animal sacrifices was poured out on the altar as part of the ritual of atonement for sin (Ex 29:16; Lev 16:15,16). This practice foreshadowed the New Testament truth that we are redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Pet 1:18,19). Christ’s death on the cross fulfilled God’s decree that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Heb 9:22). In a divine transaction beyond full human comprehension, Jesus bore the penalty for the sins of all humanity. Though effective for all, its power is realized only by those who seek cleansing through faith.

Thank God for the blood of Christ – it’s the means of our salvation

God declared, “The soul who sins shall die” (Ezek 18:4,20), a sentence that applies to all. Through the act of substitution, Christ’s death paid our death penalty, and His blood cleanses us from all sin (1 Jn 1:7). When we believe in Jesus, we identify with Him, and His death becomes ours.

Justification, Life, and Communion

By the blood of Christ—shed by one who lived a sinless life—we are justified when we confess our sins and repent (Rom 5:9; 1 Jn 1:9). Scripture affirms, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life” (Lev 17:11,14). Thus, blood and life are intrinsically linked, as blood sustains physical life.

Early Gentile Christians were instructed to abstain from consuming blood and meat from strangled animals (Acts 15:20), reflecting the Old Testament principle established with Noah that meat must be properly bled (Gen 9:3,4). These practices honored the sacredness of blood. At the Last Supper, Jesus used the cup of wine to symbolize His blood, “poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Mt 26:28). While the bread and wine represent His body and blood, they do not literally become His flesh and blood through transubstantiation, as taught by the Roman Catholic Church (Jn 6:53,54).

The Blood as Spiritual Victory

The victory achieved through Jesus’ death—symbolized by His blood—is the believer’s primary spiritual weapon against Satan. Every Christian should recognize, understand, and actively employ this divine resource.

Don't underestimate the power of His blood

Yet, we must live in submission to the Lord, obeying His direction to remain under His protective covering. As Scripture commands, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (Jas 4:7).

As followers of Christ, we cherish what His blood represents and boldly proclaim its power, for nothing else could rescue us from death and grant us eternal life (Jn 5:21, 6:63, 10:10; Rom 8:2).

Pleading the Blood of Jesus

Pleading the blood of Jesus is the practice of declaring, in faith, the power of Christ over every challenge—spiritual, personal, or physical. While the exact phrase does not appear in Scripture, the concept is deeply biblical. It involves aligning oneself under the protective covering of Christ’s sacrifice in the ongoing spiritual battle (2 Cor 10:3-4; Eph 6:11-12).

Pleading can mean both a heartfelt declaration of Christ’s authority over evil and an earnest appeal to God in prayer. It is not a superstitious incantation or a mechanical repetition, but a faith-filled act that releases divine power to overcome the works of hell and the weaknesses of the flesh. However, it must not be misused to manipulate God into fulfilling personal desires. Instead, it should always seek God’s will, which is perfect and good.

The foundation for this practice is found in Revelation 12:11: “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” While we are forgiven, reconciled to God, and assured of our heavenly inheritance through Christ’s blood, our focus must remain on the triune God who accomplished our salvation (1 Cor 15:57; 2 Cor 9:15; Col 1:13-14). Our gratitude and testimony should point to Him.

Reflection and Application:

Recognize the blood of Christ not as a ritual symbol, but as the living power that cleanses and redeems.
Live in the reality of substitution—Christ died for you, and His righteousness is now yours.
Engage in spiritual warfare with confidence, knowing the blood of Jesus has already secured your victory.
Pray with boldness and reverence, pleading the blood not as magic, but as a declaration of faith in God’s promises.