David Funk - The Blood Lyrics

The Blood (Live) - Bethel Music, David Funk

The Blood Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

David Funk's song "The Blood," released on March 15, 2024, stands as a powerful declaration of the transformative work attributed to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The lyrics open with a striking testimony of personal change, stating, "Everything changed, it's getting harder to recognize the person I was before I encountered Christ." This radical shift is described not merely as external alteration but a deep internal renewal, emphasized by the repeated phrase, "I've been washed from the inside, I've been washed from the inside out." This initial verse sets the stage for the central theme: the exclusive power of Christ's atonement to bring about such profound transformation.

The core message is solidified in the recurring chorus: "Hallelujah, hallelujah, I know it was the blood / Could have only been the blood." This refrain is both an exclamation of praise and a firm assertion that the redemption experienced is solely a result of the atoning blood of Jesus. In Christian theology, the shedding of Christ's blood on the cross is understood as the ultimate sacrifice that cleanses from sin, reconciling humanity to God. This concept is foundational, appearing throughout scripture, such as in Hebrews 9:22 which states that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins," and 1 John 1:7 affirming that "the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." The song posits this truth not as a potential explanation, but as the definitive cause of the singer's transformation.

The second verse delves deeper into the personal encounter with God's presence, describing an experience that is intensely real yet difficult to fully articulate. It speaks to a moment where the weight of shame and sin is confronted and dealt with by the divine ("When my shame hit the wayside / And my sin met the Most High"). This encounter leads back to the theme of internal cleansing, reiterating the profound washing from the inside out that makes the experience so tangible and life-altering. It highlights the contrast between the burden of past failures and the liberating reality found in God's presence through Christ.

A pivotal section of the song directly confronts common misconceptions about salvation and acceptance. It firmly declares, "It's never been about performance, perfection / Or striving for acceptance... It's never been about deserving or earning / It's a gift that's freely given." This emphasizes the grace-based nature of salvation, countering the idea that one must earn God's favor through works or merit. The power to be made "holy, righteous, purified and spotless" and "worthy, forgiven, justified, really living" is attributed unequivocally to "the blood." This resonates with scriptures like Ephesians 2:8-9, which state, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast," and Romans 5:9, which speaks of being "justified by his blood."

The song concludes with expressions of overwhelming gratitude and a reaffirmation of eternal devotion. The line "What can I say, thank You is not enough" underscores the immense value placed on Jesus' grace and mercy poured out. The commitment to love Jesus forever, both "here on earth into heaven," demonstrates the lasting impact of this transformation. The closing lines incorporate a direct reference to the classic hymn, "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus," repeating the timeless question and answer: "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus." This inclusion connects the contemporary expression of faith to a long-held truth within Christian tradition, reinforcing the singular power and efficacy of Christ's blood for cleansing, redemption, and making one whole. The song effectively communicates a message of radical change, humble gratitude, and the absolute centrality of Christ's sacrifice as the sole means of salvation and spiritual renewal, making it both informative on core Christian tenets and inspirational in its personal testimony and worshipful tone.