The Importance of the Blood of Christ

Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Scripture Reference

Hebrews 9:22; Hebrews 10:1-14; 1 John 2:1-2; Romans 3:23-25; Psalm 103:12; Hebrews 9:12-13; Luke 16 (cf. Luke 23). All Scripture cited from the King James Version (KJV).

Introduction

There are days when the world wants to downplay or dismiss what the Bible plainly teaches about the blood of Christ. Some say Jesus need not have suffered as He did, or that the shedding of His blood is merely symbolic rather than essential. But the Word of God insists otherwise: without the shedding of blood is no remission (Hebrews 9:22). The doctrine is heavy because the subject is heavy — it is about sin, guilt, atonement, justice, mercy, and the only way back to God. Young adults today need a clear, biblical explanation of why the blood of Christ matters and how it shapes our salvation, sanctification, and service. This sermon seeks to explain the Scriptural truth, challenge misunderstanding, and call people to trust the finished work of Christ.

He doesn’t change. Our circumstances may change, our situations may change, our attitudes may even change. But our God never changes. And we are reminded of that. And thank God for that today, no matter what you’re going through, no matter what you’re facing, no matter where you’re at, God is still God. He’s still on his throne and everything is going to work out according to his perfect plan.

Quote from Preacher

Above is an introductory statement from Dr. Terry LeQuieu, reminding us of God’s immutability and providential care as we approach heavy doctrine about the blood of Christ.

Outline

The Shadow Versus the Substance
1. Shadow Safeguards
  The Old Testament sacrificial system was a divinely appointed shadow — a pattern, a picture pointing ahead to Christ. Hebrews 10:1 tells us the law had “a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things.” The tabernacle, its layout, and the yearly sacrifices reminded Israel of sin, judgment, and the need for a blood atonement. But shadows never remove the thing shadowed; they only point to it.
2. Temporary Atonement
  Animal sacrifices provided temporary covering: they had to be repeated year by year (cf. Leviticus; Heb. 10:2). Worshippers were reminded of sin every year (Heb. 10:3). This repetition shows that those offerings could not ultimately take away sin (Heb. 10:4).
3. Tabernacle as Teaching
  From the brazen altar (judgment) to the laver (cleansing) to the holy place (light, bread, and intercession) and finally the mercy seat over the ark, the whole setup pointed to Christ. There is one door — one way — into God’s presence (John 14:6; the tabernacle’s single entrance symbolized this truth).
The Person and Work of Christ
1. Once for All Sacrifice
  Christ’s offering was unique. Hebrews 9:12 declares He entered “by his own blood” into the holy place, “having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Hebrews 10:10 says we are sanctified by the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. No repetition is needed; His work is finished (John 19:30).
2. Propitiation: Mercy Seat and Atonement
  1 John 2:1-2 calls Jesus our advocate and our propitiation. Propitiation implies the satisfying of God’s justice and the turning away of wrath — Christ is the mercy seat. When God looks upon His people, He does not see merely our failure but the atoning blood applied by faith.
3. Justice Met, Mercy Given
  The cross satisfies the righteous judgment of God and simultaneously displays His mercy. Romans 3:24-25 shows God set forth Christ to be a propitiation through faith in His blood — the blood is the means by which redemption is purchased and justification declared.
The Results of the Blood
1. Redemption and Justification
  By the blood of Christ we are redeemed — bought back (Rom. 3:24). Being justified means we are reckoned as if we had never sinned. The purchase price was the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19).
2. Propitiation for All, Applied for Believers
  Jesus is propitiation “for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2): He has paid the penalty for all people. The benefit is applied to those who believe; faith receives what Christ’s blood accomplished (Eph. 2:8-9).
3. Reconciliation and Relationship
  The blood reconciles — it brings us back into agreement with God (2 Cor. 5:18-19). The barrier caused by sin is removed and fellowship is re-established; our conscience is purged from dead works to serve the living God (Heb. 9:14).
Practical and Pastoral Implications
1. Assurance of Salvation
  Because Christ’s sacrifice is finished and effective, the believer can be certain of heaven. Hebrews 10:12–14 declares He “sat down” at God’s right hand because His work was complete. If you trust in the blood, you can be sure you are forgiven (Heb. 10:19–22; assurance follows faith in the atonement).
2. Combatting Shame and Accusation
  When Satan accuses, God sees the blood. Psalm 103:12 explains God has removed our transgressions as far as the east is from the west. The believer must learn to plead the blood and rest in God’s finished work rather than wallow in guilt.
3. Living Out Reconciliation
  The ministry we receive (reconciliation) becomes our mission: to share the gospel so others may be reconciled. We don’t invent new ways; we present Christ and His blood as the only hope (2 Cor. 5:18–20).
Answers to Common Questions
1. How were Old Testament saints saved?
  They trusted by faith the promised atonement. Hebrews explains the sacrifices pointed forward to Christ. Old Testament believers were saved by looking forward; New Testament believers by looking back to the same sacrifice (Heb. 11; Luke 16:19–31).
2. Is the blood merely symbolic?
  No. The repetition of sacrifices, the inability of animal blood to remove sin (Heb. 10:4), and the unique once-for-all sacrifice of Christ teach that the blood is essential for actual atonement. The symbolism points to a real, effective act: Christ’s sacrificial death.
3. Can someone be saved without knowing doctrine?
  People who trust Christ may not state theology perfectly, but salvation is trusting Christ. However, doctrine matters for growth and protection from error (Eph. 4:11–16). The church must teach the truth clearly so believers mature.

Summary

The blood of Christ is central to the gospel. The Old Testament sacrifices were divinely given shadows that pointed to the coming substitute. Those sacrifices could not take away sin forever; they only foreshadowed the reality. Christ, fully God and fully man, offered Himself once for all. His blood satisfied divine justice and secured divine mercy. He is our propitiation — the mercy seat — so that God sees not our sin but the atoning blood applied by faith. The results are real and powerful: redemption, justification, reconciliation, and assurance for every sinner who trusts in Him.

But Jesus Christ, the Son of God, all of his blood had to be shed on Mount Calvary for the salvation of all of mankind.

Quote to Ponder

This quote from Dr. Terry LeQuieu in the sermon points us to the necessity and scope of Christ’s sacrifice: it was full, sufficient, and intended for all people, though applied by faith.

Application for the Week

Practical steps for living under the truth of the blood of Christ. These are designed to help you internalize doctrine and apply it to everyday life.

Daily Remembrance
Each morning this week, read Hebrews 9–10 and one passage below (Romans 3:23–25; 1 John 2:1–2; Psalm 103:12). Pause and thank Christ for His once-for-all sacrifice. Keep a short journal entry: one sentence describing what the cross accomplished for you.
Use the Blood as Your Defense
When accusation, guilt, or shame arises, speak Scripture back to Satan. Say out loud: “God has forgiven me; He has removed my transgressions as far as the east is from the west.” Refuse to rehearse past sins — rehearse the atonement.
Confess and Be Cleansed
Practice quick, honest confession when you sin (1 John 1:9). Confession is not to reestablish guilt but to restore fellowship. If there is a pattern of sin, enlist a trusted believer for accountability and prayer.
Share the Simple Gospel
Identify one friend, family member, or coworker who needs Christ. Pray this week for an opportunity to share how Jesus’ blood redeems and reconciles. Use clear Scripture (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 10:9-10) and invite them to trust Christ.
Grow in Doctrine
Attend a church Bible study or small group this week that teaches Hebrews or Romans. If none are available, commit to a personal study plan: read one doctrinal chapter per week and bring questions to church or to a pastor for guidance.
Worship with Thanksgiving
At Sunday services, deliberately ready your heart to respond in worship for the cross. Sing hymns or songs that celebrate Christ’s atoning work and invite others to join you.

If you have never trusted Christ, remember the invitation stands: the blood of Jesus is the only way for sin to be forgiven. Today is the day of salvation. Call upon the Lord, confess your sin, and put your faith in Jesus Christ who shed His blood for you.