Introduction:
A. The importance of blood should not be overlooked.
B. There is a physical and spiritual component (Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22; 10:4; Mt. 26:28).
C. The blood of Christ takes center stage in God’s plan for redeeming man.
I. Consider the Problem of Sin.
A. How do we define sin? (1 Jn. 3:4; Jas. 4:17).
B. Sin is a universal problem (Rm. 3:23, 9-10; 1 Jn. 1:8).
C. What are the consequences of sin?
1. Sin separates us (Is. 59:1-2; Eph. 2:1-2; Jas. 1:17).
2. Sin enslaves us (Jn. 8:34; 2 Pet. 2:19; Rm. 6:16).
3. Sin kills us (Rm. 6:23; Eze. 18:20; Jas. 2:26; Rev. 21:8; 2 Th. 1:9).
II. The Blood of Christ Is God’s Solution to the Problem of Sin.
A. While sin separates us from God, the blood of Jesus reconciles to the Father (Rm. 5:10; Eph. 2:13; Col. 1:19-20).
B. While sin enslaves us, the blood of Jesus redeems us (Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18; Jn. 8:36).
C. While sin kills us, the blood of Jesus gives us spiritual life (Rm. 6:23; Eph. 2:1-3; 4-6; Rm. 5:8; Jn. 3:16).
III. How Do I Gain the Benefit of Jesus’ Blood?
A. The lost must believe in Jesus (Jn. 8:24).
1. Belief preceded by hearing (Rm. 10:14, 17).
2. Belief followed repentance (Lk. 13:3; Jas. 2:17, 19).
B. The lost must be baptized into Christ.
1. Baptism preceded by confession (Rm. 10:9-10; Acts 8:37).
2. We are baptized into Christ (Rm. 6:3-4; Eph. 1:3; Acts 22:16).
C. The “in Christ” relationship requires continuing contact with His blood (Rm. 3:23; 1 Jn. 1:7; Ps. 119:105; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 1:5-11).
Conclusion:
A. Clothed in white robes (Rev. 7:13-14)
B. Washed in the blood of the Lamb (Is. 1:18).