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One topic that remains
at the center of Christian theology—albeit much maligned, mystical, or
abused—is using the blood of Jesus. I've even heard it said in some Christian
circles today that speaking of "the blood of Jesus" is being
prohibited or frowned upon. That in itself is an eye-opener. When fundamentals
like these are contentious—even among Christians—it's a sign that we are indeed
living in the end times.
Jesus will return shortly.
But let us look at this
issue more. Currently, not only are we inquiring about what is the blood of
Jesus, but we are inquiring quite specifically:
Is it biblical to refer
to "applying the blood of Jesus"? And, if so, how do you apply it?
1. Is the Phrase "Apply the Blood" in the Bible?
An easy answer is here:
No precise phrase in
Scripture states, "apply the blood
of Jesus.”
That's true. The Bible
never actually instructs us to "apply
the blood" in those exact words.
But that's only half of it. While the precise words are never found in Scripture, the principle itself is soundly and completely taught throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
To "apply" is to apply in practice, to put something into operation, or act on something already supplied. And that is rather biblical.
As an example, look at this verse: "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:14, KJV)
This verse states that
redemption and forgiveness are through His blood. But in what way does that
redemption become yours?
- By believing the gospel.
- By the gift of salvation being received.
- By Jesus Christ being proclaimed as Lord.
That's how Jesus' blood
is "applied." Not by reciting a magic incantation—but by believing,
receiving it, and living by faith.
2. The Blood Already Was Applied at Salvation
Let's think about it for a minute:
When was Jesus' blood doing the strongest work in your life? It was the day you got saved.
Consider this
- You did not sprinkle actual blood on yourself.
- You did not say any words.
- You simply believed.
And in that moment, the blood of Jesus spiritually cleansed your soul. You went from being a lost sinner to being a forgiven child of God.
"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ…" (1 Peter 1:2, KJV)
This "sprinkling" of the blood is not literal. It is not physical. It is spiritual. It happens when you believe.
This is how the application
of the blood works:
- It is trusting in what the blood accomplished.
- It is resting on the finished work of the cross.
- It is submission to the Word of God that is coming from a place of knowing who you are in Christ.
3. The Danger of Empty Rituals: "Pleading the Blood"
Let me in-your-face
affectionately challenge a common charismatic habit:
The phrase "I plead the blood of Jesus" does not exist in the Bible. We get no direct command from Scripture to say this.
I realize I have people
whose testimonies it appears they "pleaded the blood" and something
good stopped. I'm not ruling this out. God things happen to people in good
faith.
Let's however recall this serious fact:
- Testimonies are not Scripture.
- Testimonies will inspire your faith but not build your doctrine.
The faith must be built on something besides experience, however—on the Word of God alone, and upon His unchanging, eternal Word.
Few use "I plead the blood" like a magic word—hoping somehow it will by repetition magically work. But if the heart is unsure about what the blood did, then the words are useless.
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…" (Hosea 4:6, KJV)
We do not need incantations; we need revelation truth. Jesus' blood is not a source of magic; it is divine provision by faith.
4. What Happens When We Really Get the Blood
The blood of Jesus is not just historical fact—it's a present power.
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…" (Revelation 12:11, KJV)
This verse does not say, "They overcame by saying the words 'I plead the blood.'" It says that they overcame by the blood—that is, by knowing what the blood did—and then in faith, speaking it.
Here's what the blood
does for us:
- Washes us clean of sin (1 John 1:7)
- Speaks us righteous before God (Romans 5:9)
- Rescues us from cursing (Galatians 3:13)
- Grants bold access to God's throne (Hebrews 10:19)
When you are in
condemnation, shame, fear, or guilt, you don't need to chant anything. You need
to stand on the fact of what Jesus has already done.
If you've sinned, don't wail "plead the blood"—confess the sin:
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9, KJV)
5. The Only Scriptural Ceremony Involving the Blood
There is only one ordinance in the Bible that employs the symbolic use of Jesus' blood: Holy Communion.
This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." (1 Corinthians 11:25, KJV)
In taking the cup in
communion, we are not just remembering the blood—by so doing, we are
reaffirming our covenant. We are reminding ourselves of what Jesus has done for
us.
This is the only symbolic "application" Jesus gave. Other than that, all of the blessings of the blood are obtained by faith, obedience, and truth.
6. So, How Do You Apply the Blood?
Let's keep it simple.
Here's how you apply the blood of Jesus:
- Know what the blood did (read Scriptures about the blood).
- Believe the truth in your heart (faith comes by hearing).
- Confess God's Word out loud (not as a formula, but by revelation).
- Obey that which the Word commands (walk in truth).
- Resist judgment, fear, and shame (don't forget: you are washed).
7. Nothing You Face is Greater Than the Blood
Let me wrap this up with
this precious question:
If the blood of Jesus
was powerful enough to save you, cleanse you, and make you God's child—
- Is there anything harder in life than that?
- Is your sickness greater than your sin
- Is your demonic bondage worse than your lost state before salvation?
- Is your financial distress worse than your spiritual death before Christ?
Absolutely not.
"How much more shall the blood of Christ… purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:14, KJV)
Let that reality echo in
your heart this Easter.
The blood that saved you
is more than sufficient to hold you, heal you, cleanse you, shield you, and
empower you.
- The next time you're under attack or beset—don't run to empty words. Run to the truth.
- The blood speaks better things (Hebrews 12:24)—so hear, believe, and walk in victory.
Final Prayer
Daddy, thank You for the
shed blood of Jesus. Thank You that I do not have to have rituals and religious
words to receive Your power. I just need to have faith in Your finished work. I
am walking in victory today and renouncing every lie of the enemy and embracing
the reality of what Your blood has accomplished in my life. I walk in victory,
not based on what I say, but based on what I believe and obey. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
