The New Covenant: Secured by the Blood of Jesus

The New Covenant and the Blood of Jesus

As followers of Christ, we often hear about the new covenant and the blood of Jesus. But what do these terms really mean? And why are they so significant in our faith? In this article, we will explore the meaning and importance of the new covenant, how it is secured by the blood of Jesus, and what it means for us as believers.

First, let's start by defining what the new covenant is. The new covenant is a promise made by God to His people, as prophesied in the Old Testament, particularly in Jeremiah 31 and 32. It is a covenant of grace and redemption, in which God promises to forgive sins and establish a close and intimate relationship with His people. This new covenant is different from the old covenant, which was based on the law and required strict adherence to its commandments.

Jesus himself spoke of the new covenant during the Last Supper, as recorded in Luke 22:20. He took a cup of wine and said, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." This statement is profound and holds deep meaning for us as believers.

But what does it mean that the new covenant is secured by the blood of Jesus? To understand this, we need to look at the sacrificial system in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, the shedding of blood was required for the forgiveness of sins. Animal sacrifices were offered as a temporary atonement for sin, but they could never fully remove sin or provide permanent forgiveness.

However, Jesus, the perfect and spotless Lamb of God, offered himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. His blood, shed on the cross, was the final and complete sacrifice that secured eternal redemption and forgiveness for all who trust in Him. In this sense, Jesus' blood sealed the new covenant and made it a reality for those who believe in Him.

The significance of the blood of Jesus in securing the new covenant cannot be overstated. It is through His blood that we are cleansed from sin, justified before God, and granted access to His presence. Hebrews 9:22 tells us, "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." The blood of Jesus is the only means by which our sins can be forgiven and our relationship with God can be restored.

But what does the new covenant secure for us as believers? One of the key aspects of the new covenant is perseverance in faith. Jeremiah 32:40 says, "I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me." This promise assures us that God will not turn away from doing good to us, and He will put the fear of Him in our hearts so that we will not turn away from Him.

In other words, the new covenant guarantees our perseverance in faith to the end. If we belong to Christ through faith, we can be certain that we will continue in our faith and not fall away. This assurance is not based on our own strength or ability, but on the work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in us.

The Holy Spirit, who works in us to preserve our faith, honors the purchase of Jesus' blood. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are enabled to persevere and remain faithful to God. The Father planned the new covenant, Jesus bought it with His blood, and the Holy Spirit applies it to our lives. All three persons of the Trinity are involved in securing our perseverance and eternal security.

Understanding the new covenant and the blood of Jesus should bring great comfort and assurance to us as believers. We can have confidence that our salvation is secure, not because of our own efforts or merit, but because of the work of Christ on the cross. Our faith is not something we have to strive to maintain on our own; rather, it is a gift from God that is upheld by His Spirit.

This truth should also impact the way we live our lives as Christians. Knowing that our perseverance is secured by the blood of Jesus should motivate us to pursue holiness and live in obedience to God. We are no longer under the burden of the law, but under the grace of the new covenant. We are called to live in a way that reflects the reality of our salvation and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in us.

In conclusion, the new covenant is a promise made by God to His people, secured by the blood of Jesus. Through His blood, Jesus purchased our perseverance in faith and eternal security. The new covenant guarantees our forgiveness of sins, our close relationship with God, and our assurance of salvation. It is a covenant of grace and redemption that sets us free from the bondage of the law and empowers us to live in obedience and holiness. Let us rejoice in the new covenant and the blood of Jesus, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him.