The Blood and the Name

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (Hebrews 9:22)

Many believers confuse the use of Jesus' authority and our qualification through the blood of Jesus. The blood is vital. Without the blood, there is no forgiveness, no cleansing, and no right standing with God. We would have remained forever guilty, unclean, and disqualified. Once we were declared righteous, we stepped into the power of His name.

Peter didn't tell the lame man, "By the blood of Jesus, rise up and walk." Instead, he said, "In the name of Jesus Christ." When he preached, casted out demons, healed the sick, and operated in power, he didn't do so by pleading the blood but rather he did it by declaring the name of Jesus.

In the Old Covenant, the blood had to be applied every time there was sin because sin was a constant presence. Under the New Covenant, Jesus' blood was shed once and for all. The blood and the name of Jesus are not in competition. The blood made you righteous, but the name makes you victorious.

Thank God for the blood that saved you, and then walk boldly in the name of Jesus, who grants you power.

Practical Application

Don't misuse the blood where the name was meant to be applied. Thank God for the blood, but use the name of Jesus to command sickness and demonic forces to leave.

Leviticus 17:11; Leviticus 6:7