What Does It Mean to ‘Plead the Blood of Jesus’?

It is a common practice among numerous Christians, especially charismatics and Pentecostals to use the terminology “I plead the blood of Jesus.” It is usually done when praying over someone who is tormented by demon spirits in order to release them from demon control. In most cases it is meant to use Christ’s delegated authority given to believers to carry out His work here on earth. Notice two Scriptures related to this idea: 

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19, NKJV). 

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12).

Because of the Scriptures, there should be no question about the use of Christ’s authority to accomplish great things for His kingdom. The whole idea of “deputization” (delegated authority) is certainly scriptural and necessary for fulfilling God’s purpose for His creation. 

But the issue is to always keep in mind that this authority is based on the power of Christ’s blood. Most of us know that through His sacrifice on Calvary, we have been restored to God through Jesus’ blood. And although we have not received, as yet, that full and final entrance into God’s presence, we still have His authority to enforce His Calvary victory right now here on earth.

But there’s even much more to learn about “pleading the blood.” 

Let’s look at the pleading process in regard to a certain kind of jurisprudence. It has to do with the accusations of Satan against a believer. “Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down’” (Rev. 12:10, NKJV). 

Think about the almost constant harassment of feeling guilty for not only present sins, but for sins of the past as well. Many believers have suffered tormenting thoughts as demons reminded them of their previous life in the world. Most of them know they are forgiven but still can’t get rid of condemning thoughts. 

Look at how “pleading the blood” has resolved our court case concerning sin. In court, when the judge asks a defendant, “How do you plead?” the plea is either guilty, not guilty or no contest. When Jesus becomes a person’s defense attorney through our relationship to Him and heaven’s judge asks, “How do you plead for the way you have lived your life,” the person who understands universal jurisprudence knows he cannot plead not guilty. He knows he is guilty. 

But because of the price already paid by his defense attorney, he also knows he cannot plead guilt — or even no contest. So his plea becomes “the blood of Jesus,” the only defense that prevents him from paying the eternal price himself. By pleading Christ’s blood, a person acknowledges his or her own personal righteousness is not a sufficient defense for the complaint. He is saying, “I cannot offer any other plea than what I have offered, and that is Jesus’ blood.” 

Therefore, we appeal to something that can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves —  “Your Honor, I plead the blood of Jesus. I have no other defense.” Whether or not the above scenario plays out exactly in this way, one thing is sure. We have no other defense against our sin and sinning except Christ’s blood. 

Ray Beeson is the founder of Overcomer Ministries, a teaching ministry with a special emphasis on spiritual warfare and prayer. He is the author of numerous books, including his latest, Signed in His Blood, which releases March 4.