The Victory of the Blood of Christ in the New Testament and in Ethiopia

Abstract

Western evangelical theology has rightly pointed out that the blood of Christ purifies from sins and mends our broken relationship with the Triune God through the penal substitutionary sacrifice of Christ.   However, western evangelical theology rarely articulates or emphasizes the Christus Victor aspect of the blood of Christ in its theological formulations.  On the other hand, Ethiopian grassroots theologians — while agreeing with the western understanding and articulation of Christ’s blood — emphasize the fact that the blood of Christ not only purifies and reconciles but is also a powerful element in the struggle against malevolent spirits and the fear of death.  In this article, I will trace the motif of the blood of Christ in the NT with the help of Ethiopian gospel singers who affirm the purifying function of Christ’s blood but also employ Christ’s blood in their struggle against the devil.