Topical Encyclopedia
The doctrine that Christ is God and that His blood is referred to as the blood of God is a central tenet of Christian theology, affirming the divinity of Jesus Christ and the salvific power of His sacrifice. This belief is rooted in the understanding of Jesus as both fully God and fully man, a mystery that is foundational to the Christian faith.
Divinity of ChristThe New Testament provides numerous affirmations of the divinity of Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is explicitly identified with God: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (
John 1:1). This passage establishes the pre-existence and divine nature of Christ, who is the Word made flesh (
John 1:14). Furthermore, Jesus Himself declares His unity with the Father, saying, "I and the Father are one" (
John 10:30).
The Apostle Paul also affirms the deity of Christ in his epistles. In Colossians, he writes, "For in Him all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form" (
Colossians 2:9). This statement underscores the belief that Jesus embodies the complete nature of God.
The Blood of GodThe concept of Christ's blood being referred to as the blood of God is derived from the understanding of His divine nature. In the Book of Acts, the Apostle Paul addresses the elders of the church in Ephesus, exhorting them to "Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood" (
Acts 20:28). This passage is significant as it attributes the act of redemption directly to God, emphasizing the divine value and efficacy of Christ's sacrificial blood.
The blood of Christ is central to the doctrine of atonement, as it is through His blood that believers are reconciled to God. The Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on this, stating, "He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption" (
Hebrews 9:12). The sacrificial nature of Christ's blood is portrayed as superior and sufficient for the salvation of humanity.
Theological ImplicationsThe identification of Christ's blood as the blood of God carries profound theological implications. It affirms the belief in the hypostatic union, the doctrine that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. This union is essential for the understanding of the atonement, as only a sacrifice of infinite worth could atone for the sins of the world.
Moreover, the divine nature of Christ's blood underscores the gravity and depth of God's love for humanity. The willingness of God to take on human flesh and shed His own blood for the redemption of mankind is a testament to the profound mystery of divine grace and mercy.
In summary, the belief that Christ is God and that His blood is the blood of God is deeply rooted in Scripture and is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine. It highlights the divine nature of Jesus, the significance of His sacrificial death, and the assurance of salvation for those who believe in Him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Acts 20:28Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Blood of Sprinkling
... by his blood;" "the precious blood of Christ." He gave ... This was man's open rejection
of God's own way of ... murderer; and he who would not defile his altar with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter v the blood of.htm
The Blood of the Testament
... my praises will be accepted through Jesus Christ, my preaching ... is on it, and because
of that, God will not ... accept it because of the sweetness of his Son's blood ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 58 1912/the blood of the testament.htm
That Christ is Called a Sheep and a Lamb who was to be Slain, and ...
... That Christ is called a sheep and a lamb who was ... us erase His life from the earth,
and His name shall ... more be a remembrance." [4032] Also in Exodus God said to ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/15 that christ is called.htm
Showing How that Passage of the Apostle which the Heretics Pervert ...
... The Spirit of God, doubtless ... For this cause, too, did Christ die, that the Gospel
covenant ... have already shown, might constitute them heirs of His property, when ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter ix showing how that passage.htm
On the Church of God and of Christ: or on the Church in General ...
... love of Christ towards those whom he has acquired for himself by his own blood ... The
executive cause of this gracious good pleasure of God in Christ, which may ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation l on the church.htm
"But if we Walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have ...
... would know, that all this while that your interest in Christ lies dark ... souls, most
in trusting and staying upon the name of God, and his absolute promises. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiv but if we.htm
On the Will, and Command of God the Father and of Christ, by which ...
... called "a Testament" or "Will;" therefore, he, also, as the Testator, is dead, and
by his death, has ... The stipulation on the part of God and Christ is, that ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxxix on the will.htm
He is Lovely in his Relations.
... revealing in heaven those deadly wounds received on earth from the justice of God,
on our ... Other advocates spend their breath, Christ spends his blood. ...
/.../flavel/christ altogether lovely/he is lovely in his 3.htm
On Living Without God
... him the light of the glory of God in the ... he has "an Advocate with the Father, Jesus
Christ the righteous ... and that he has "redemption in his blood, the remission ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 125 on living without.htm
The Kingdome Apperteineth to Ovr God.
... the rumors and tidinges were fauourers of Christ or flatterers ... such a one shall die
in his iniquitie, but ... onlie, but to euerie one, whom God placeth whatchman ...
/.../knox/the first blast of the trumpet/the kingdome apperteineth to ovr.htm
Resources
Is suffering for Christ always going to be a part of being a follower of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgHow is the church the Body of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWho am I in Christ? | GotQuestions.orgChrist: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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