The Necessity of Christ’s Blood

by Dr. Charles Stanley
The Necessity of Christ’s Blood – Romans 5:8-11

For someone unfamiliar with the Church, all of our talk about the blood of Christ might seem disturbing. But, apart from His blood, there is no Christianity. As Hebrews 9:22 says, “…without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

God mandated that redemption was available only if our sin was transferred to a perfect substitute. In the Old Testament, an Israelite would lay hands on the head of an unblemished lamb and confess. Then, he presented the animal to a priest for sacrifice. Today, believers are redeemed through forgiveness. But our sacrifice is a sinless Savior who willingly took our guilt and penalty upon Himself.

Every person who accepts Jesus’ death as substitutionary and receives Him as Savior is declared no longer guilty of sin. God condemned the sinful soul to death. But, when He looks upon Jesus’ sacrifice and sees the paid penalty, He declares us righteous. Christ’s shed blood lets us enter God’s presence. We experience unity with Him in prayer, knowing He listens when we speak. The harmony between God and mankind was interrupted in Eden. But it is restored in each new believer.

Through Christ’s blood, believers are forgiven, justified, and reconciled. These words actually describe a simple process. When we accept that a blameless Jesus died to pay our sin penalty, we enter an eternal relationship with God. John 3:16 says Jesus’ sacrifice applies to “whoever believes.” This includes you, if you will just believe.