The Blood of the Cross



Colossians 1:19–20



I.INTRODUCTION:


A. The Text in Context


1. Our text comes from the midst of Pauls expression of his desires and prayers for the Colossian church (1:3, 9).


2. In verse 12 Paul enters into a lengthy doxology thanking the Father for having translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (1:12-20).


3. Our text constitutes a portion of that doxology.


B. The Simple Truth in the Text––


1. The term “fullness” refers to the blessings of salvation that the Godhead has to offer (cf. Colossians 2:9-10; Eph. 1:3, 23; 3:19; John 1:14, 16).


2. Those blessings dwell or reside “in Christ”, that Is, In a saved relationship made possible by him (cf. Colossians 1:13–14).


3. This relationship is effected through “the blood of his cross” (1:20).


C. Our Purpose in this Study––


1. First, to understand the significance of “the blood of his cross”. What exactly is Paul talking about?


2. Learn why “the blood of his cross” is able to effect salvation.

3. Third, consider what is included among the blessings which “the blood of the cross” procures. 4. Finally, determine how the sinner is able to appropriate “the blood of his cross”.

II.DISCUSSION:


A. The Significance of the Blood of His Cross–– 1. The blood of animals in the Old Testament:

a. In the Bible blood is the element in which “life” is resident (Genesis 9:3-7; Leviticus 1 7:10-14; Deuteronomy 12:20-25).

b. To “shed blood” was to kill a man or an animal (Genesis 9:6; Leviticus 17:3–4).

c. Blood was given as the element of atonement upon the altar (Leviticus 17:11; 16:5, 15-16, 30).


(1) “the blood of it is for the life thereof...the life of all flesh is the blood thereof...“ (17:14). (2) “it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul...“ (17:11).



Jeff Asher  www.ExpositorySermonOutlines.com  1



2. The blood of Jesus in the New Testament:

a. All the Old Testament blood sacrifices were representative (typical) of the death of Jesus on the cross (Hebrews 9:9, 22-10:1).


(1) Because animal blood cannot take away sin (Hebrews 9:9; 10:1-4).

(2) Because without the shedding of blood there is no remission (Hebrews 9:22). b. Two erroneous positions taken with respect to the blood of Christ:

(1) The death of Jesus in its effects directed strictly toward man. That is, the death of Jesus has no effect upon God.


(2) The death of Jesus, in ledger book fashion, pays the penalty due Gods law and frees man.


c. The death of Jesus on the cross is the “one sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:1–12).

(1) It is propitiation, “something that propitiates; especially a conciliatory offering;” “to gain, win or secure favor” (cf. Romans 3:25; Hebrews 2:17; I John 2:2; 4:10).


(2) The death of Jesus satisfies the Just requirements of God (Romans 3:23ff).


B. The Power in the Blood of His Cross––


1. Is remission of sins (Matthew 26:28) 2. Is Justification (Romans 3:25,26)

3. Is redemption (Ephesians 1:7; Col. 1:14) 4. Is forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7: Col. 1:14)

5. Is reconciliation (Ephesians 2:13; Col. 1:20) 6. Is sanctification (Heb. 10:29; 13:12)

7. Is cleansing (Revelation 7:14)


C. The Blessings of the Blood of His Cross–– 1. Spiritual life (John 6:53)

2. Salvation (Romans 5:9) 3. The Church (Acts 20:28) 4. Guiltlessness (Heb. 9:14)

5. Peace (Colossians 1:20; Ephesians 2:14-16) 6. Intercession (Hebrews 10:19)

7. Fellowship (1 John 1:7)


D. Obedience to Christ Brings Us to the Blood of His Cross––


1. It is clear that obedience to the Gospel brings us to the blood of His cross (I Peter 1:2, 22-23; I John 1:6–7; Hebrews 10:26-29).


2. That obedience specifically includes water baptism for the alien sinner.




Jeff Asher  www.ExpositorySermonOutlines.com  2



a. Baptism is into the death of Christ (Romans 6:3; John 19:34).

b. Baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Matthew 26:28).

c. Sanctification occurs in baptism (Ephesians 5:26; Hebrews 13:12). d. Sins are washed away in baptism (Acts 22:16; Revelation 1:5–6)

e. Baptism results in a good conscience (I Peter 3:21; Hebrews 10:19-22). f. In baptism we are saved (1 Pet. 3:21; Rom. 5:9).

3. That obedience specifically includes addition to the church of Christ.

a. Baptism puts us into the church of Christ which is the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18,24).


b. Christ purchased the church of Christ with his own blood (Acts 20:28).

c. Those purchased by the blood are those that are saved (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14), and those that are saved are the church (Eph. 5:23; Acts 2:47).


III.CONCLUSION:


A. The Blood of His Cross Is the Blood of Our Atonement.


B. That Blood Has the Power to:


1. Remit 2. Justify 3. Redeem 4. Forgive

5. Reconcile 6. Sanctify 7. Cleanse.

C. Through That Blood We Have: 1. Spiritual Life

2. Salvation 3. The Church

4. Guiltlessness 5. Peace

6. An Intercessor

7. Fellowship with God and Our Brethren.


D. The Blood of His Cross is Yours If You Will Obey Him Who Died Upon The Cross.


Jeff Asher  www.ExpositorySermonOutlines.com  3