Okay.
So the blood of Jesus is connected to "cleansing" sin even by an anti-PSA.
The blood of Jesus is connected to "forgiving" sin (which is confusing because elsewhere it seems like you deny this).
The blood of Jesus is connected to "taking away" sin even by an anti-PSA.
Now explain to me why it does that?
What is the logical connection?
Nothing?
The logical connection between Christ's blood and the remission of sins stems from the concept of atonement found throughout the Bible, particularly in the New Testament.
1. Blood as Symbolic of Life:
Blood in ancient Jewish understanding represented life itself. In Leviticus 17:11, it's stated, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul." Thus, the shedding of blood was associated with the giving of life.
2. Atonement and Forgiveness:
Atonement, in the biblical context, refers to the process of reconciliation between God and humanity, particularly regarding the forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22 emphasizes,
"Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins." The shedding of blood, therefore, was seen as necessary for the forgiveness or remission of sins.
3. Christ's Sacrifice:
Jesus, in instituting the Lord's Supper, connects his blood with the establishment of the new covenant. This new covenant represents a new relationship between God and humanity, wherein sins are forgiven and reconciliation is achieved.
Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross is understood as the ultimate atonement for humanity's sins.
4. Fulfillment of Prophecy:
The concept of Christ's blood being shed for the remission of sins also aligns with Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 53:5, which states, "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed."
Conclusion:
The logical connection between Christ's blood and the remission of sins is rooted in the theological understanding of atonement as the means by which reconciliation between God and humanity is achieved. Christ's sacrificial death, symbolized by his shed blood, serves as the ultimate atonement for sin, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing the new covenant relationship between God and humanity, wherein forgiveness and reconciliation are made possible.
Old Testament:
1. **Leviticus 17:11 (NIV)**
"For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life."
- This verse emphasizes the significance of blood in making atonement for sin in the Old Testament sacrificial system.
2. **Psalm 51:7 (NIV)**
"Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."
- While not explicitly mentioning blood, this verse reflects the psalmist's plea for cleansing, which aligns with the sacrificial imagery of atonement.
3. **Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)**
"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
- This prophecy foretells the suffering and sacrificial death of the Messiah, whose wounds bring healing and peace to humanity.
4. **Zechariah 9:11 (NIV)**
"As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit."
- This verse speaks of the blood of the covenant as the basis for liberation and salvation.
5. **Exodus 12:13 (NIV)**
"The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt."
- This verse refers to the Passover lamb's blood as a sign of protection and deliverance from God's judgment.
New Testament:
6. **Matthew 26:28 (NIV)**
"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
- Jesus' words during the Last Supper, establishing the connection between his blood and the forgiveness of sins in the new covenant.
7. **Romans 5:9 (NIV)**
"Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!"
- Paul emphasizes the role of Jesus' blood in justifying believers and saving them from God's wrath.
8. **Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)**
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace."
- This verse highlights redemption and forgiveness through the blood of Christ as a manifestation of God's grace.
9. **Hebrews 9:22 (NIV)**
"In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness."
- The author underscores the necessity of bloodshed for forgiveness, echoing Old Testament sacrificial practices.
10. **1 John 1:7 (NIV)**
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
- John emphasizes the cleansing and purifying power of Jesus' blood for believers who walk in the light.