What does it mean to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus? For those of us who have walked the path of the 1888 message, we know that our Father does not require literal blood.

“Of course the idea of a propitiation or sacrifice is that there is wrath to be appeased. But take particular notice that it is we who require the sacrifice, and not God.” E.J. Waggoner, The Justice of Mercy, Present Truth UK Aug 30, 1894

In the light of this glorious truth, we discover that blood in the New Testament is the very life of Jesus.

“But how is it that the shedding of blood, even the blood of Christ, can take away sins? Simply because the blood is the life. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that maketh atonement for the soul." Lev. 17:11. So when we read that apart from the shedding of blood there is no remission, we know it means that no sins can be taken away except by the life of Christ. In Him is no sin; therefore when He imparts His life to a soul, that soul is at once cleansed from sin.” E.J. Waggoner, Present Truth UK, Sept 21, 1893

These precious truths completely change the meaning of our cleansing, and the cleansing of the Sanctuary. Let’s take this journey into the implications of the New Covenant meaning of being cleansed by the blood of Jesus.