Empowered by the Blood | Pastor Raph | Aug. 25, 2024 |

Forgiveness, cleansing, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit are at the heart of our relationship with God. Under the new covenant, we don’t confess sins to be forgiven—we confess because we already are (Hebrews 8:12). Imagine a marriage built on constant reminders of past mistakes—it wouldn’t last. In the same way, our relationship with God isn’t about dwelling on failures but standing firm in His mercy and grace. The enemy wants us to feel unworthy, but Jesus’ blood continuously washes us clean (Hebrews 9:14). Instead of living in guilt, we are called to embrace redemption and walk in the freedom Christ has given us (Ephesians 1:7).

Where the blood of Jesus is applied, the anointing of the Holy Spirit flows. In the Old Testament, when a leper was cleansed, blood was applied first, then oil—showing that purification comes before empowerment (Leviticus 14:1-17). The same principle applies today. When we believe in our complete forgiveness, the Holy Spirit moves powerfully in our lives, shaping our hearts and filling us with godly desires (1 John 2:27). Instead of being stuck in shame, we are meant to live boldly, knowing we are forgiven, anointed, and ready to fulfill God’s purpose.

Main Bible Passages:

1. Hebrews 9:14 – “How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God!”

2. Ephesians 1:7 – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”

3. 1 John 1:7 – “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 cleanses us from all sin.”