Bloodwork

Evangelical Christians often sing and preach about the blessed blood of Christ and the wonderful things it accomplishes for believers. To the uninformed ear, such language can convey the idea that Jesus’ blood had semi-magical qualities. Actually, Jesus’ blood was normal human blood, but the Bible refers to it in metaphorical terms to portray the many benefits that come to Christians because of Jesus’ death.

In Blood Work: How the Blood of Christ Accomplishes Our Salvation, Anthony J. Carter traces this theme through the New Testament, showing how the biblical writers used the powerful metaphor of the blood of Jesus to help Christians grasp the treasures Jesus secured for them in His death on the cross. In doing so, he provides a fresh perspective on the atonement Jesus made.

Carter delves into the New Testament’s teaching on several of the blessings that flow to believers because of the blood of Jesus, from their “purchase” by the blood (Acts 20:28) to their “freedom” through the blood (Rev. 1:5). Christian readers’ eyes will be opened to the depth of their blessedness in Jesus and their hearts will be moved to thank and praise the triune God for such a great salvation. 

Table of Contents:

1. Our Bloody Religion
2. Purchased by the Blood
3. Propitiation by the Blood
4. Justified by the Blood
5. Redeemed by the Blood
6. Brought Near by the Blood
7. Peace by the Blood
8. Cleansed by the Blood
9. Sanctified by the Blood
10. Elect in the Blood
11. Ransomed by the Blood
12. His Blood Avails for You 

Author 

Anthony J. Carter (MA, Reformed Theological Seminary) serves as the lead pastor of East Point Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the author of two books and numerous magazine and journal articles, and blogs at Non Nobis Domine. Carter travels frequently as a conference speaker and guest lecturer. He is also an organizing member of the Council of Reforming Churches.

Endorsements 

“Christians tend to speak of the blood of Christ either flippantly or not at all. However, in Blood Work, Anthony Carter helps us see that neither of these options is appropriate. The blood of Christ is a central biblical theme that deserves to be pondered deeply. Carter forces us to consider Christ’s atoning sacrifice and its many implications. In the end, we are left with a glorious, cross-centered, Christ-centered gospel that gets to the heart of our great need and God’s great provision. We are indeed purchased, redeemed, brought near, cleansed, sanctified, and freed by the blood of Christ. In a day awash with self-help books, it is refreshing to be reminded that we indeed cannot help ourselves, but God, through the blood of Christ, has done more than help us; He has saved us. Thank God for the blood!” — Dr. Voddie Baucham Jr. Pastor of preaching, Grace Family Baptist Church, Spring, Texas Author of Family Shepherds

“Blood. It is considered vile to discuss. We are tempted to mark from our manuscripts any talk of it before we approach the pulpit. We purpose ourselves to talk around it when ‘reaching out’ to unbelieving friends. Yet, it is the blood of Christ that cries out ‘Adopted! Forgiven! Free! Empowered! Entrusted! Kept!’ to our broken souls. With this work, Anthony Carter reminds us that, though we may attempt to camouflage its role in every aspect of life in Christ, the blood will never lose its power. If we try to diminish its power, we will certainly lose ours.” — Leonce B. Crump II Founding pastor, Renovation Church, Atlanta, Ga.

“This book will leave you in awe of the benefits of trusting in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. It is unquestionably thorough, remarkably captivating, and surprisingly clear. You’ll leave this book singing, ‘Nothing but the blood of Jesus.’” — Bryan Loritts Lead pastor, Fellowship Memphis, Memphis, Tenn. Author of A Cross Shaped Gospel