In "The Blood of the Everlasting Covenant," Don Fortner explores the profound relation between the shed blood of Christ and the covenant of grace, emphasizing its fivefold connection. He argues that Christ's blood satisfies all covenant stipulations, obligates God the Father to save the redeemed, and is the instrument by which the Holy Spirit applies salvation. Fortner references key Scriptures, particularly Hebrews 13:20 and John 17:4, to illustrate how the blood of Christ fulfills divine justice and provides assurance of salvation to believers. The article reiterates the necessity of reliance on Christ’s sacrifice for assurance and emphasizes that true believers can confidently approach God because of the covenant secured by Christ’s blood.
Key Quotes
“The precious blood of Christ has a fivefold connection to the covenant of grace.”
“Having fully met all the requirements of God in the covenant, God must now—justice demands it—save every redeemed sinner.”
“Do you rely entirely upon the blood of Christ for all your salvation? If you do, be at peace.”
“There is no remission of sins without the blood.”
What does the Bible say about the blood of Christ?
The blood of Christ is vital for atonement and fulfilling the covenant of grace between God and His people.
Moreover, the blood of Christ is effectively applied by the Holy Spirit, bringing peace and reconciliation to the hearts of those who believe. John 16:8-11 highlights the Spirit's role in declaring that sin has been dealt with, and righteousness has been established through Christ. Thus, the blood of Christ is both a legal basis for justification and a means of assurance for believers, as it assures them of their standing before God, enabling them to approach Him with confidence.
Hebrews 13:20, John 17:4, Hebrews 10:22, Romans 8:1
How do we know the blood of Christ is effective for our salvation?
The effectiveness of Christ's blood for salvation is grounded in the fulfillment of the covenant's requirements and God's justice being satisfied.
The sovereignty of God ensures that His promises are irrevocable; therefore, believers can trust that the blood of Christ secures their peace with God. Hebrews 9:22 underscores that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins, implicitly affirming the central role of Christ’s blood in the believer's redemption. Consequently, knowing Christ’s blood cleanses us from sin allows believers full assurance of their salvation, affirming that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
Hebrews 9:22, Romans 8:1, John 17:4
Why is the blood of Christ important for Christians?
The blood of Christ is fundamental for forgiveness, peace with God, and assurance of salvation for Christians.
Moreover, the blood of Christ serves as a glorious declaration of God’s unchanging covenantal promise to save those who trust in Him. The believer’s assurance is not based on personal merit, but entirely on the finished work of Christ who enables all who come to God through Him to be saved to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25). For Christians, apprehending the significance of Christ's blood reinforces their faith and confidence in God's unyielding commitment to fulfill His promises.
Hebrews 9:22, Hebrews 7:25
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, covenant...: Or, Testament - Hebrews 13:20“The Blood of the Everlasting Covenant”
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant.” Hebrews 13:20
What is the connection between the shed blood of Christ and the everlasting covenant? The precious blood of Christ has a fivefold connection to the covenant of grace.
God the Son
With regard to God the Son, our Savior, his blood is the fulfillment of every stipulation agreed to in the covenant. When he had finished his work of establishing righteousness for us by his life of perfect manhood, a life of total obedience to the will of God, he said to the Father, “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4). Then, when he had fully satisfied the holy wrath and justice of God, when he had fully paid our debt to God’s offended justice, when he had put away our sins, our mighty Savior cried, “It is finished,” and triumphantly breathed out his life.
God the Father
With regard to God the Father, the precious blood of Christ puts the Almighty under inescapable obligation. Having fully met all the requirements of God in the covenant, God must now (justice demands it) save every redeemed sinner, pardon every ransomed soul, and give grace and glory to all for whom atonement has been made!
God the Spirit
With regard to God the Holy Spirit, the blood of Christ is that which he sprinkles (effectually applies) to the hearts of sinners, by which he proclaims peace, and reconciliation upon the ground of sin put away, righteousness brought in, and justice satisfied (judgment finished) (John 16:8-11).
The Believer
With regard to the believing sinner, the precious blood of Christ is the solitary ground of his peace and assurance. Christ’s blood is God’s token to us for good. Do you rely entirely upon the blood of Christ for all your salvation? If you do, be at peace. Let nothing disturb you. This covenant was made for you. All its blessings are yours forever. You are one of God’s elect.
The Guilty Soul
With regard to guilty sinners, the precious blood of Christ is your only way of access to God; but this way of access is the way by which you may come to God with full assurance of faith, being confident that you are accepted at the throne of grace (Heb. 10:22).
Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling,
I to Thy fountain fly; Wash me, Savior, else I die!
There is no remission of sins without the blood (Heb. 9:22); and there can be no condemnation with the blood (Rom. 8:1). He who died to ratify this covenant lives and reigns to enforce it (2 Sam. 23:5). He and he alone is able to save to the uttermost all who come to God by him (Heb. 7:25).
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