The blood of Jesus is the most powerful substance in the universe. It alone has the power to wash away our sins and secure our soul’s salvation (1 John 1:7). However, there are some things His divine blood can’t wash away.

The Memory of Past Sins. Paul was saved from his past sins (1 Tim. 1:15), but he was never able to forget them (Acts 22:3-5; 26:9-11; Gal. 1:13). While there is no doubt that our sins are forgiven, we must live with the memory of these transgressions. The memory of these sins serves an important purpose, allowing us to learn from our mistakes and motivating us to serve the Lord more faithfully in the future.

Temporal Consequences of Sins. The eternal, spiritual consequences of our sins are washed away in the blood of Jesus, but the temporal, physical consequences remain. Even though he was forgiven, David lived with the consequences of his sin regarding Bathsheba (2 Sam. 12:13). Why? He had to reap what he had sown (Gal. 6:7-8). He learned firsthand that “the way of the transgressor is hard” (Prov. 13:15).

The Pains and Struggles of Life. Some mistakenly come to the Savior believing He will make all their earthly troubles go away. However, a saved person has the normal pains and struggles of everyday life plus the persecution that accompanies the cross of Christ (Matt. 13:21; 2 Tim. 3:12).

God’s Marriage Bond. Some falsely teach the Lord’s blood, contacted at baptism, washes away any previous marriage bond allowing a divorced and remarried person to remain with their unscriptural spouse. God’s marriage law (Matt. 19:9) applies to all people regardless of their spiritual condition.

Any Chance of Being Lost Again. The idea that once you are washed in the blood of Jesus you can never become lost again is false. Christians will sin. When we do so, we must maintain our fellowship with God through repentance, confession, and prayer for forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Acts 8:22). The Christian who turns their back on God in pursuing sin will fall from grace and forfeit their soul’s salvation (Gal. 5:4; 1 Cor. 9:27; Heb. 6:4-6; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).