subject: Blood Is Man's Most Powerful Agent...Biologically & Spiritually (part 2) by:Denis Van Loan [print this page] In part 1 the parallel function of blood is shown for both the biological and the spiritual, pointing to a common Designer and Creator. Wholeness/ preservation of life, cleansing/purification/freedom, and healing were covered in part 1. These are parallel attributes both biologically and spiritually. We continue to explore the parallel in blood: peace/harmony/reconciliation, protection from evil and victory.
4. Biologically blood provides peace/ harmony and reconciliation. Blood mediates and integrates all biochemical functions of the body. A buffer system keeps the blood from becoming too acidic or too alkaline. (This is very important in body chemistry.) The body is assaulted by what is ingested and by what is produced from within. For instance, an over-indulgence in a substance would not just temporarily incapacitate the individual, but would kill him if the buffer system could not balance the excess of it, producing acidosis or alkalosis.
Who of us has not experienced sore muscles from over-exercising? This is most frequently an accumulation of lactic acid (waste product) which irritates the muscles. The circulatory system (via blood flow) neutralizes this imbalance of acid ions.
Body temperature is regulated through perspiration and body chemistry. Without this, who could survive 110 degree weather? (Brain damage can occur at 105 degrees.)
Chemically, in the blood, hormones are powerful mediators of various appetites and drives. Emergency responses such as "fight or flight" with great muscle strength and/or endurance come from adrenaline. Sexual hormones, when released into the blood, produce powerful appetites seeking satisfaction, facilitating reproduction and thereby preserving the human race. If chemical changes in the blood did not occur so that we became hungry, how many of us would take time to eat regularly?
4. Spiritually, the blood of Jesus provides peace/harmony, and reconciliation. In Colossians 1:19-20, we read: "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Jesus), and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." Rev. 1:5...Everything in the entire creation is made subject and brought into harmony through Jesus. "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" (Phil 2:10 - KJV)
5. Biologically, blood protects, defendsgives victory against enemies. The immune system of the blood disarms, neutralizes, destroys or expels all foreign substances which include chemicals, bacteria and viruses. There are many different types of white blood cells that have specific functions too complex to cover here. It should suffice to say that they range from those that marshal extra lymphocytes (to assault the invaders) to those that stop the assault, to those types that engulf and neutralize the enemy. There are antibodies of the general purpose type that help with numerous infections. There are others that are specific for only one thing, such as a polio virus. The "factories" that produce the antibodies are called plasma cells.
The foreign substance that triggers an antibody production is called an antigen. When an antigen gets into the blood it typically triggers production of an antibody that either is like a lock and key fit (mechanical) or electrostatic (plus and minus charge). These marry the antigen/antibody together. This is an over-simplification of the complex process; but the alien (or invader) is rendered harmless through the union with the antibody.
5. Spiritually, the blood of Jesus protects and defendsgives victory. In Revelation 12:11, we read: "And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus), and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (KJV) Paul gives us a picture of victory: "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the (blood of the) cross." (Col 2:15)
6. Biologically, blood regenerates and rejuvenates. Extra stress on the body causes it to marshal all its capacities to handle the situation. The blood is the necessary mobilizing agent. In times of dehydration, water is extracted from around the cells and from the cells themselves. Also, the whole vascular system shrinks to compensate for the missing fluids. Starvation causes releases of foods: sugar, fats, carbohydrates, amino acids from the liver and storage beds. If these storage areas are depleted, then the skeletal muscles begin to be used for fuel and energy. The blood enables this process.
6. Spiritually, the blood of Jesus regenerates and rejuvenates. Note: the emphasis in Revelation 5:9, "And they sang a new song: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you (Jesus) were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.'" Also, Paul wrote to the Ephesians: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace..." (Eph.1:7) We are regenerated spiritually because of the blood of Jesus.
7. Biologically, blood sustains life. There is immediate death without the circulation of that vital fluid called blood. Some organs and tissues die more quickly than others but all ultimately die without blood supply.
7. Spiritually, the blood of Jesus sustains life. In Leviticus 17:11, we read: "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." Compare this with John 6:54: "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood (Jesus speaking) has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
Incredible as blood is, it is worthless in its efficacy for wholeness, healing, protection from evil, repair, regeneration, victory, harmony, peace and life unless it is appropriated. In other words, to a dying person, blood in a Blood Bank is worthless unless it is infused into the human circulatory system. The passover blood in its catch basin was ineffectual until it was applied to the door posts and lintel. Only then did the Angel of Death pass over that household. Likewise, the blood of Jesus is ineffectual for wholeness, healing, deliverance, preservation, freedom and victory, Unless we appropriate it!
We appropriate it by saying "yes" to Jesus and "yes" to the Holy Spirit (and also the blood in Holy EucharistJn. 6:53-56): by letting God truly be Lord in our life and by following His Word. When the jailer asked Paul and Silas: "What must I do to be saved?"
Their succinct answer is recorded in Acts 16:31. "They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved -- you and your household.'" The word "believe" used here in Greek is "pisteuo" and it means not merely mental assent (or credence) but more accurately "to be persuaded of, to rely upon, to trust in and to adhere to". The washing and cleansing water of baptism is considered a seal of this decision. We need to accept Jesus' Lordship, tenaciously hang onto it and apply the Blood of Jesus to our lives. If we do this, we will be fully saved!
The word "to save" in Greek is "sozo". It has the broad meaning of: wholeness, healing, protection from evil, freedom, victory and lifeaccording to Vine's dictionary of biblical terms. Blood is indeed enormously powerful for not only life, but also for the fullness of life.
