The Importance of the Covering: The Blood - The Covering of the Inner Man

Genesis 3:1–7 KJV 1900

1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

Genesis 3:21 KJV 1900

21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

I. The Fall and Exposure of the Inner Man

A. Sin ALWAYS affects us immediately!

1. Awareness:

i. The immediate effect of eating the fruit is a new awareness.

ii. Adam and Eve's eyes are opened, signifying not just physical sight but an awakening to a deeper knowledge - good and evil.

2. Shame:

i. Along with this awareness comes shame.

ii. They realize they are naked, a physical state they were previously comfortable with, but now perceive as inappropriate or exposing.

3. Exposure of the Inner Man:

i. This awareness and shame symbolize the exposure of the inner man - the spirit and soul.

ii. It’s not just a physical nakedness but a spiritual and emotional vulnerability.

iii. It signifies the loss of innocence and purity, an acute awareness of their disobedience, and a separation from the state of unblemished communion with God.

4. Fear and Hiding:

i. Following their disobedience, Adam and Eve feel fear and hide from God.

Genesis 3:8–10 KJV 1900

8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

ii. This represents a fractured relationship with God, a direct consequence of sin.

II. The Blood as a Covering for Sin

A. Blood Sacrifice gives us life.

Genesis 3:21 KJV 1900

21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

1. Genesis 3:21 and Sacrifice:

i. In Genesis 3:21, God makes garments of skin for Adam and Eve.

ii. This implies the killing of an animal, hence the shedding of blood.

iii. This act can be seen as the first instance of blood sacrifice in the Bible, where life is given to cover the consequences of sin.

2. Symbolism of Blood in Sacrifice:

Leviticus 17:11 KJV 1900

11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

i. Blood, in the biblical context, represents life.

ii. The shedding of blood in sacrifice symbolizes the giving of life as a payment or covering for sin.

iii. It’s a principle that establishes the cost of sin – life itself.

Romans 6:23 KJV 1900

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

B. Significance of Blood Sacrifice.

1. Old Testament Sacrificial System:

i. In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses instituted a sacrificial system involving the shedding of blood for the atonement of sins (e.g., the Passover lamb, Yom Kippur sacrifices).

ii. These sacrifices were repeated and pointed to the need for a more permanent solution for sin.

iii. It took the covering of the blood to save the first born in the Israelite house in Egypt!

Exodus 12:21–23 KJV 1900

Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.

a. The covering of the blood upon the door of every house was the sign that the DESTROYER could not come in!

b. This is why we need to maintain a sober and vigilant attitude!

1 Peter 5:8 KJV 1900

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

2. Culmination in Christ’s Sacrifice:

i. The New Testament reveals that these sacrifices foreshadowed Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

ii. Jesus is described as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world".

John 1:29 KJV 1900

29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

iii. His death on the cross, marked by the shedding of His blood, is presented as the final, all-sufficient sacrifice for sin.

Hebrews 9:12 KJV 1900

12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

C. Christ's Blood Covering Our Inner Man.

1. Cleansing from Sin:

i. The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

1 John 1:7 KJV 1900

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

ii. This cleansing is not just a physical or external act; it penetrates to the innermost parts of our being – our hearts, minds, and souls.

Hebrews 9:14 KJV 1900

14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

2. Shielding from Sin’s Consequences:

i. The consequences of sin are spiritual death and eternal separation from God.

Romans 6:23 KJV 1900

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Isaiah 59:2 KJV 1900

2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, And your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

James 1:15 KJV 1900

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

ii. Christ’s blood covers us in such a way that we are shielded from these consequences. In theological terms, this is referred to as justification – being made right with God through Christ.

Romans 5:9 KJV 1900

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV 1900

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Romans 3:24–25 KJV 1900

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 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;

3. Restoration of Relationship with God:

i. Through the blood of Christ, our relationship with God is restored.

Ephesians 2:13 KJV 1900

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Colossians 1:20 KJV 1900

20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Hebrews 10:19–22 KJV 1900

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

ii. Where once there was shame and hiding, like Adam and Eve, now there is open fellowship with God, as our sin no longer separates us from Him.

Hebrews 4:16 KJV 1900

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

1 John 4:18 KJV 1900

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Romans 5:1–2 KJV 1900

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

4. Living in the Light of the Sacrifice:

i. Our lives should reflect gratitude and reverence for the sacrifice of Christ.

Romans 12:1 KJV 1900

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

1 Peter 2:9 KJV 1900

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Colossians 3:17 KJV 1900

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

ii. It’s not merely a historical event but a present reality that impacts how we live, think, and interact with God and others.

Hebrews 10:12–14 KJV 1900

12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV 1900

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Galatians 2:20 KJV 1900

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

D. Living Under the Covering of Christ

1. Living a Life that Acknowledges and Relies on Christ's Blood.

i. Living in Faith and Obedience

Hebrews 11:6 KJV 1900

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

a. This emphasizes the necessity of faith in our relationship with God.

John 15:5 KJV 1900

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

a. This passage encourages us to remain connected to Christ, relying on His strength and provision.

ii. Holiness and Separation from Sin

1 Peter 1:15–16 KJV 1900

15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

a. Christians are called to a life of holiness, reflecting the nature of Christ in their lives.

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV 1900

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

a. This highlights the transformative power of a life in Christ.

2. Seeking Christ's Covering for the Inner Self

i. Examining the Heart

Psalm 139:23–24 KJV 1900

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

a. This is a prayer for God to reveal and heal the inner workings of the heart.

Lamentations 3:40 KJV 1900

40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.

a. A call for self-examination and repentance.

ii. Dependence on Christ for Inner Renewal

Ephesians 3:16–17 KJV 1900

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

a. This passage speaks to the strengthening and renewal of the inner man through Christ’s indwelling.

Philippians 4:13 KJV 1900

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

a. We rely on Christ for inner strength and capability.

iii. Confession and Forgiveness

1 John 1:9 KJV 1900

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

a. Forgiveness and cleansing comes when you confess your sins to God!