If you grew up in Pentecostal circles as I did, chances are you heard and used the term “I plead the blood.” However, some people in the church world today don’t understand the phrase and ask, “What does it mean?”
The Concept
The concept of “pleading the blood” of Jesus has its roots in Pentecostal tradition. It’s a tradition that is necessary and important to continue upholding. The book, The Azusa Street Mission and Revival, contains stories where people came to receive prayer for healing. William Seymour, a leader in the Azusa Street revival, would “plead the blood” over the sick. They were healed and received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
Pleading the blood is not begging God to do something. It is not a statement of unbelief or fear! Pleading the blood activates what happened through the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is asking God to provide what Jesus’ blood has already purchased. It’s a statement of faith about what happened at Calvary.
The Origin
The practice of applying the blood goes back to the Old Testament. Each year, the high priest applied the blood sacrifice of an unblemished lamb to cover the sins of the people. In the Book of Exodus, we see the blood administered as protection.
EXODUS 12:13 (NKJV)
13 Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
The Israelites applied the blood of an animal to the doorposts of their homes as protection against the plague. God promised to pass over them when He saw the blood.
Pleading the blood activates what happened through the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross.
A Counteragent
Jesus’ blood was not spilled merely for the covering of sin but for the remission of it. Through salvation, the blood is applied to our lives. The Son of God built a bridge between Heaven and earth with three nails and two boards. He became the way for mankind to pass from the degradation of sin to the glory of Heaven. Jesus made it possible to go from rejection to redemption.
Pleading the blood tells the devil that we are children of God. It’s like putting up a no trespassing sign that says, “You can’t come here. You don’t have any authority here.” Every aspect of our lives needs to be covered in the blood. It is a counteragent to all that Satan tries to throw at us. He is afraid of the blood.
The blood of Christ makes it possible for us to defeat the devil on every front.
Revelation 12:11 (NLT) says, “And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.” No matter the circumstance, disease, temptation, or addiction, there is power in the blood to deliver and set us free.
Obtaining Peace of Mind
Great spiritual battles are fought in the mind. When a person becomes born again, their spirit is made new, but their mind is not. That is why we must continually renew our minds with the Word of God. The power in the blood is activated when we speak scripture. Therefore, pleading the blood needs to be an active part of our confession.
When the enemy tries to attack with thoughts of fear and torment, pleading the blood of Jesus over our minds will bring peace. Colossians 1:20 (NLT) says, “And through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.”
When Satan brings up guilt, shame, or condemnation from the past, we need to plead the blood and say, “The blood of Jesus has cleansed me. I am a new creation in Christ, and my past life and sins no longer exist.”
Covering the Affairs of Life
When we understand how to use the power of the blood, we can apply it to everything in our lives, including our homes, families, and finances.
Years ago, Lynette and I built a house. Before we moved in, we walked through every room pleading the blood of Jesus. When we bought our new home, we did it again.
Each night, I say the names of my immediate family members and apply the blood around them as a hedge of protection. I tell the devil, “You can’t cross the bloodline!” I also plead the blood over my car, finances, and health. And you can too!
The blood that ran down the cross and onto the ground is still flowing today! It never changes or loses its power. We can depend on it in any situation.
This month as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, let’s enjoy every blessing that Christ obtained for us. Let’s apply the blood of Jesus and proclaim what He has done for us. And we will see all that God has provided through His blood become a reality in our lives.
Faith Nugget
Activating the Blood
Speaking scripture activates the blood of Christ. To walk in victory, your words must agree with what the blood says.
When the enemy accuses you of being unrighteous, you need to say, “I am the righteousness of God in Christ” (2 Cor. 5:21). If he tries to put sickness on you, say, “By the stripes of Jesus, I am healed” (1 Peter 2:24).
The blood of Jesus always speaks the Word. But what are you saying? Are you speaking the promises of God? Or are you saying things like, “What am I going to do?” “I don’t know how I will make it.” “The doctors say there isn’t any cure for this disease.”
When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He announced to the world that the supreme sacrifice had been paid. Satan’s hold was finished. Now the promises and blessings of God are available to you and anyone who comes through the blood of Christ.
Author
Kenneth W. Hagin
Share this Post
11 Comments on “I Plead the Blood!”
Thank you. Activating the blood is an area that i really never understood well. thank God the eyes of my understanding are now being enlightened in this area through your teachings. Am starting to apply the blood morning and evening and i will continue to speak in line with the blood. your teachings are unique. I love them and i love the hagins .you are doing a great work in my life and family.
This was very interesting you dont get to hear much written about the blood of Jesus and what it can do in the lives of the believers .These articles are helping for spiritual growth .
I would really appreciate getting the issues on my mail box .
Thanking you
Hi Faith,
Here is the link so you can subscribe to receive the Word of Faith Magazine.
Blessings,
-The Rhema Team
OH GOD,
I NEEDED TO READ AND HEAR THESE WORDS MORE THAN ANYONE WILL EVER KNOW
I am blessed already. Thank you for the sound teachings.
Thank you Lord for opening the eye of my understanding of the power in the blood of Jesus, through this revelation I now understood that no power can contend with the power of the blood, as it heals the sick, saves, delivers ,protects and grants is freedom in all facets of life
I need this, I thank God for blessing me with your teaching. God bless
Oh, i love this man of God. This is so practical and so powerful.
I feel his presence every time I pray 🙏.
I thank him for being a motivation in time of need.
Thank you Jesus.