Does the Bible teach “pleading the blood” of Jesus?

The concept of “pleading the blood of Jesus” is a phrase often used in Christian circles, particularly within charismatic and Pentecostal traditions. While the specific phrase “pleading the blood of Jesus” is not explicitly found in the Bible, the practice is derived from broader Biblical teachings on the blood of Jesus and its significance in the life of a believer. This exploration delves into the Biblical foundations of this concept, using the New King James Version (NKJV) for references.

The Significance of Blood in the Bible

The importance of blood in the Bible is established from the earliest scriptures. Blood is often associated with life and atonement for sin, serving as a vital theme throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, blood sacrifices were central to the Mosaic Law. Leviticus 17:11 explains, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” This principle establishes the foundational concept that blood is required for the atonement of sin, underscoring its significance in the relationship between God and humanity.

The Passover

The Passover is another critical event that highlights the significance of blood. In Exodus 12:13, during the final plague in Egypt, God instructs the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb: “Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” This event prefigures the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, illustrating the protective power of blood in delivering God’s people from judgment.

The Blood of Jesus in the New Testament

Jesus as the Lamb of God

In the New Testament, Jesus is identified as the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrifices. John the Baptist declares in John 1:29, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” This statement connects Jesus to the sacrificial lambs of the Old Testament, whose blood was shed for atonement, emphasizing His role as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

The Last Supper

At the Last Supper, Jesus explicitly links His impending death to the new covenant established by His blood. Matthew 26:28 records Jesus saying, “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” This statement underscores the salvific power of Jesus’ blood, marking a pivotal moment in the establishment of the new covenant between God and His people.

Redemption and Forgiveness

The New Testament further elaborates on the redemptive power of Jesus’ blood. Ephesians 1:7 states, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Similarly, Colossians 1:14 confirms, “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” These verses highlight the essential role of Jesus’ blood in providing forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

The Book of Hebrews

The Book of Hebrews extensively discusses the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice compared to the Old Testament sacrifices. Hebrews 9:12 explains, “Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” This passage emphasizes that Jesus’ sacrifice is once and for all, providing eternal redemption for believers and affirming the sufficiency of His atoning work.

The Concept of “Pleading the Blood”

While the phrase “pleading the blood of Jesus” is not found in the Bible, its practice is inferred from the powerful and protective nature of Jesus’ blood as demonstrated in scripture. Pleading the blood is essentially invoking the power and protection of Jesus’ sacrificial blood in various aspects of life, reflecting a deep reliance on His atoning work.

Spiritual Warfare

One of the common contexts for pleading the blood is in spiritual warfare. Revelation 12:11 provides a basis for this practice: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” This verse indicates that believers can overcome the accuser (Satan) through the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) and their testimony, reinforcing the idea that the blood serves as a source of victory in spiritual battles.

Protection and Deliverance

The practice also draws parallels with the Passover in the Old Testament, where the blood of the lamb provided protection. While the direct application is not prescribed, believers often plead the blood for protection in a manner similar to how the Israelites applied the lamb’s blood for deliverance from judgment. This act symbolizes trust in God’s provision for safety and deliverance from harm.

Cleansing and Forgiveness

Pleading the blood is also associated with seeking forgiveness and cleansing from sin. 1 John 1:7 declares, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” Invoking the blood of Jesus is seen as a way to claim this cleansing power in personal and communal prayers, emphasizing the transformative effect of His sacrifice.

Biblical Basis and Practice

Faith and Confession

The practice of pleading the blood is deeply rooted in faith and confession. Romans 10:10 emphasizes the importance of belief and confession: “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” When believers plead the blood of Jesus, they are confessing their faith in its power and efficacy, affirming their trust in His redemptive work.

Appropriating God’s Promises

Pleading the blood can also be understood as a way of appropriating the promises of God. 2 Peter 1:4 speaks of the “exceedingly great and precious promises” given to believers, enabling them to partake in the divine nature. By pleading the blood, Christians are claiming these promises in their lives, reinforcing their faith in God’s faithfulness.

Practical Application

Prayer

In prayer, believers might say, “I plead the blood of Jesus over my family,” as a way of asking for God’s protection and claiming the protective power of Jesus’ blood. This practice reflects a heartfelt reliance on His sacrifice for safety and guidance.

Healing and Deliverance

In contexts of healing and deliverance, the blood of Jesus is often invoked. James 5:14-15 provides a scriptural basis for praying for the sick: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” While this passage does not mention pleading the blood, it underscores the importance of prayer and faith in healing, highlighting the role of Jesus’ sacrifice in the process of restoration.

Theological Considerations

Understanding the Power of the Blood

It is crucial to understand that the power lies not in the act of pleading itself, but in the blood of Jesus. Hebrews 10:19-22 emphasizes this power: “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” This passage encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that the blood of Jesus grants them access to His presence.

Avoiding Superstition

Believers should avoid treating the practice of pleading the blood as a superstitious ritual. The effectiveness of invoking Jesus’ blood comes from genuine faith and understanding of its Biblical significance, not from the mere repetition of words. True power is found in a relationship with Christ and a deep understanding of His sacrifice.

While the Bible does not explicitly use the phrase “pleading the blood of Jesus,” the concept is rooted in the profound theological significance of Jesus’ sacrificial blood as revealed in Scripture. The practice is an expression of faith in the protective, redemptive, and cleansing power of Jesus’ blood. Believers are encouraged to approach this practice with a heart full of faith, grounded in the truth of God’s Word, and a clear understanding of the power and purpose of Jesus’ sacrifice.

By invoking the blood of Jesus, Christians align themselves with the victory and promises afforded through His atoning work, thus reinforcing their faith and trust in God’s ultimate provision and protection.