AboutClifford H. Readout, Jr. Expertise Expertise:
Preferred subject areas: Biblical doctrine, problem texts, and application
of Bible teachings in daily life. Willing to consider questions concerning
other aspects of Christianity, as well. Experience and qualifications:
Converted to Christianity in 1970 while a student at Indiana University;
active in Christian ministry since 1971; President, 1971 - 1973, then
Chaplain, 1973 - 1975 of a campus ministry at Indiana University; Director
of Campus Ministry for North Central Region of the U.S.A. and Canada, 1975 -
1976; director, dean, and teacher for a Bible College in Kaiserslautern,
Germany, 1977; Pastor of the same church since 1978; founder and director of
The Foundations Forum (Christian think tank), 1991 to present; District
Foreign Missionary Director, 1981-2000; District Superintendent, 2000-2009; Founding Coordinator of Friendship International, a ministry to
college and university students around the world, 1997 - 2001; Special
Advisor to Friendship International, 2001 to present; Secretary and member
of the Board of Trustees for a Graduate School of Theology, 1999 to present; Chairman of the Board of Directors and faculty member at the Apostolic Leadership Institute, 2000 to present;
internationally known and requested Bible teacher, ministering by missionary
and other official invitations in more than forty nations, and at least
thirty-three of the United States; and other minor functions. Husband to the same
wonderful lady since 1970, father of three college graduates, and one
delightful Down Syndrome son born in 1994.
Experience For best results, send your question directly to readout@gmail.com. Be sure to mention AllExperts.com in the subject.
See "Expertise" section.
Is it right to say in prayer: I cover myself with the precious blood of Jesus.
Please explain the correct position biblically.
Thanks
Your brother in Christ
Answer Dear Nitin,
Thank you for your question. I apologize for taking so long to answer, but I have been away from home on a journey and unable to respond more quickly.
Your question is easy to answer, but your request requires a much more complicated answer.
The answer to your question, " Is it right to say in prayer: I cover myself with the precious blood of Jesus?" is, "No." Of course, by "right" I mean "scripturally correct". It is possible for a human being to do something which will cause the Lord Jesus to cover him with His blood, but he cannot apply the blood to his own life himself.
There is only one text which gives any indication that a human being may have the ability to "cover [himself] with the blood of Jesus":
Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
But, to apply that verse in such a manner is to do injustice to the Word of God.
You also ask for an explanation of "the correct position scripturally". I must assume that you are wanting the Biblical teaching on the application of the blood of Jesus. Here are the most relevant texts for you to consider:
Hebrews. 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Hebrews 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
1John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
From these verses it is apparent that the blood of Jesus Christ was shed to provide remission of sins for all men. But, it is equally apparent that not all men are saved because of it. So, there must be a personal application of the blood of Jesus Christ in the life of each man. The way the blood of Jesus Christ is applied to your life is through taking baptism in His name.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10:43-48 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 19:1-6 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Based on these Scriptures, I conclude that the only way a human being can apply the blood of Jesus Christ to himself is by being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even then, the Lord Himself is the one who actually applies the blood.
It is possible to be baptized and not receive the remission of sins through the blood of Jesus Christ. This is proven by the fact that the disciples in Acts 19, who had been baptized with John's baptism were baptized again, but into the name of Jesus Christ. It is also demonstrated in the case of Simon the sorcerer:
Acts 8:13, 18-23 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. … 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Anyone who wants the covering of the blood of Jesus Christ would do well to take baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!
If you email me directly, not through AllExperts.com, I will send you a document which contains a more complete Scriptural study on this subject. My email address is given on my profile page.
