Is Jesus’ Blood Still Preserved?
Today we will talk about whether Jesus’ blood is still preserved. Many Christians may not fully understand the significance of Jesus’ blood and its relevance today. The blood of Jesus holds deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing redemption, forgiveness, and a new covenant between God and humanity. It is a central theme in the New Testament, and connecting with this understanding can enhance our faith. So, let’s open our hearts to what the Scriptures say about the importance and preservation of Jesus’ blood as we read through God’s word.
The Significance of the Blood of Jesus
The blood of Jesus is often referenced as a powerful element of atonement and salvation. In Hebrew culture, blood represented life. The Hebrew word for blood is “dam” (דָּם), which signifies not just the physical substance but also life itself. In Leviticus 17:11, it is written, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood…” Thus, blood symbolizes vitality, sacrifice, and the power to cleanse. When it comes to Jesus, His blood is not just ordinary blood; it embodies His total devotion and sacrifice for humanity.
In the Greek language, the word for blood is “haima” (αἷμα), carrying similar connotations of life and sacrifice. This Greek understanding also implies a redemptive aspect, highlighting how Jesus’ blood redeems us from sin and is the medium through which we receive eternal life. Romans 5:9 beautifully encapsulates this, stating, “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” Here, we see how His blood is crucial in our salvation experience.
Historically, during the time of Christ, the Jewish community had a well-established sacrificial system. Animals were offered to God as a means to atone for sins. However, the sacrifice of Jesus was unlike any other. Hebrews 9:12 tells us that “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” This marked the end of the old sacrificial system and introduced a new way of relating to God.
Understanding the significance of the blood of Jesus leads us to ponder its preservation. Are we to believe that the physical blood of Jesus is preserved in some way, or is it more about the spiritual implications of His sacrifice? As we navigate through various biblical accounts and teachings, we’ll shed light on what preservation means and how Jesus’ blood continues to impact believers today.
Jesus’ Blood and the New Covenant
In Luke 22:20, during the Last Supper, Jesus proclaimed, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” The formulation of a new covenant through His blood is paramount to understanding its purpose. The old covenant was based on the law, but the new covenant emphasizes grace and mercy. It signifies a fresh start for humanity, where our sins can be washed away by accepting Jesus’ sacrifice.
The term “covenant” comes from the Hebrew word “berith” (בְּרִית), meaning a formal agreement or treaty. In biblical times, a covenant required a blood sacrifice as a sign of its seriousness. Jesus’ blood sealing the new covenant meant that believers are no longer bound by the law but are part of a grace-filled relationship with God. This bilateral agreement signifies not only God’s commitment to us but also our renewed commitment to live according to His will.
Furthermore, Jeremiah 31:31 prophecies about a new covenant: “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.” This future promise became reality through Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. Therefore, we are reminded in the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews 8:13, that the old has passed away, and in Jesus, we find a new way to encounter God. The preservation of the covenant in relation to Jesus’ blood is not just tied to a physical remembrance but to the ongoing life we experience in Him.
The Cleansing Power of Jesus’ Blood
Another essential aspect of Jesus’ blood is its power to cleanse us from sin. The concept of cleansing through blood isn’t new in Scripture. In the Old Testament, animals served as sacrificial offerings, allowing people to momentarily atone for their wrongdoings. However, Christ’s sacrifice is far more effective and complete. 1 John 1:7 states, “The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” This concept of purification leads us to understand that His blood serves as our ultimate redemption from the clutches of sin.
In Hebrew, one of the terms used for cleansing is “tahor” (טָהוֹר), meaning pure or clean. This word signifies the restoration to a condition of purity that one can offer back to God. When we allow Jesus’ blood to cleanse us, we are restored to our original state and purity as intended by our Creator. We can find further affirmation in Isaiah 1:18, where God invites us to reason together, stating, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Through Jesus, our inadequacies are not merely overlooked; they are replaced with righteousness.
The act of cleansing is progressive; as we walk in faith, Jesus’ blood continually redeems us and keeps us in right standing with God. Romans 3:23-24 reinforces this notion: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” The preservation of Jesus’ blood symbolizes an ongoing relationship where we consistently rely on His grace for forgiveness and restoration.
The Blood of Jesus and Eternal Life
Ultimately, understanding the preservation of Jesus’ blood points to the gift of eternal life. John 3:16 is perhaps the most renowned verse expressing God’s gift to humanity: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus not only sacrificed His life on the cross, shedding His blood for our sins, but He also paved the way for believers to receive the promise of eternal life.
In Revelation 1:5, we learn, “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.” This message reinforces the hope that through Jesus’ blood, we have the assurance of salvation. The word “eternal” in Greek is “aionios” (αἰώνιος), conveying the meaning of perpetual life that transcends mortal existence. This isn’t merely about living forever; it signifies being in an everlasting relationship with our Savior, a connection that His blood facilitates.
Moreover, the Holy Communion acts as a constant reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and the preservation of His blood. In 1 Corinthians 11:25, we are reminded, “In the same way, after the supper, he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’” The act of communion brings believers together to symbolically partake in the blood of Christ and remember the sacrifice that grants us eternal life.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect upon the preservation of Jesus’ blood, we realize its profound significance in our lives as believers. From the new covenant established through His sacrifice to the ongoing cleansing power of His blood, we see how essential it is to our faith and spiritual journey.
The preservation of Jesus’ blood is not about keeping physical blood but rather embracing the life, grace, and redemption that it represents. We have the assurance of eternal life and the opportunity to be free from sin through His sacrifice. May we always remember the depth of this incredible gift and live our lives in gratitude and devotion to Jesus, our Savior.
Let’s continue to cherish the impact of Jesus’ blood in our lives and share this message of hope and love with others. The preservation of His blood means we can find forgiveness, acceptance, and a relationship with God that transforms us every day.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4