The Apostle Paul, while addressing the church in Corinth, made what I believe is an interesting observation. He writes, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16 [RSV]) In the immediate context Paul was making the connection between the significance of the fruit of the vine in its representation of the blood of Jesus. But that is not the only way we participate in the blood of Christ.
We participate in being brought closer to the Father in the blood of Jesus. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13 [RSV])
As alien sinners, we are at enmity with God (Romans 5:10). But when we participate in the blood of Christ, peace is achieved. 19. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20. and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on Earth or in Heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross. (Colossians 1:19-20 [RSV])
When we participate in the blood of Christ, our consciences are purified. 13. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, 14. how much more shall the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the Living God. (Hebrews 9:13-14 [RSV]) When we receive the blood of Jesus we receive a new conscience that desires to serve and obey God, a conscience that enjoys obeying God.
Finally, those who participate in the blood of Christ will be privileged to serve Him in His Temple for eternity. 13. Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and whence have they come?” 14. I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night within His Temple; and He Who sits upon the throne will shelter them with His presence. (Revelation 7:13-15 [RSV])
When we participate in the blood of Christ we are set free from dead works so that we can serve the Living God. The blood of Jesus sets us free from things that lead to death. We are set free from Satan, we are set free from the world, and we are even set free from our own selfish desires. Only when we are walking in freedom and liberty in Christ can we serve God, and that freedom only comes through our participating in the blood of His Son. God desires that we worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. When we participate in the blood of Jesus Christ, we do just that.
We participate in being brought closer to the Father in the blood of Jesus. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13 [RSV])
As alien sinners, we are at enmity with God (Romans 5:10). But when we participate in the blood of Christ, peace is achieved. 19. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20. and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on Earth or in Heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross. (Colossians 1:19-20 [RSV])
When we participate in the blood of Christ, our consciences are purified. 13. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, 14. how much more shall the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the Living God. (Hebrews 9:13-14 [RSV]) When we receive the blood of Jesus we receive a new conscience that desires to serve and obey God, a conscience that enjoys obeying God.
Finally, those who participate in the blood of Christ will be privileged to serve Him in His Temple for eternity. 13. Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and whence have they come?” 14. I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night within His Temple; and He Who sits upon the throne will shelter them with His presence. (Revelation 7:13-15 [RSV])
When we participate in the blood of Christ we are set free from dead works so that we can serve the Living God. The blood of Jesus sets us free from things that lead to death. We are set free from Satan, we are set free from the world, and we are even set free from our own selfish desires. Only when we are walking in freedom and liberty in Christ can we serve God, and that freedom only comes through our participating in the blood of His Son. God desires that we worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. When we participate in the blood of Jesus Christ, we do just that.
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