Addressing the OP. not saying that anyone is right or wrong, but consider this. the blood is real, but nothing to be afraid of . we have two lives. one in the world (sin) before we come to Christ, and one in Christ after our death in Baptism. and there are two scriptures that cater to each of those two lives. they are #1. Romans 3:25 "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". #2. 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". let me try explain both in a as many of few words as possiable. as one poster quoted, Romans 3:25 "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". these are the KEY words "Sins that are Past". the sacrifice on the cross, the shedding of blood covers our PAST LIFE that we lived in the world of sin. remember there are a book that our recording angel is taking out on us everyday that we live in this world, either in or out of Christ. our past life is out of Christ until we confess him. so the blood that was shed on the cross, the actual alter, was one and for ever to pay for the sins of the world. that is Finish. when one come to Jesus, (by confessing him) , yours, our, and my recording angel gives his book of recording of our past life to the Lord Jesus. all of our unrighteous acts and sins are forgiven, or "washed" away from our life, from our record book . why is this book so important, listen, Revelation 20:12 "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works". did you notice "BOOKS" with an "s" at the end, meaning more than one. our past life in the world, and our newness of life in Christ Jesus. so when you give your life to Christ, our recording angel get a new book, because we now have a new life, which is in Christ Jesus. now, all the sins we committed in the past are erased by his sacrifice, the blood. now we step out in NEWNESS of life and we take two steps and sin. what now? all our past sins are covered by his blood. what we do now? remember the two scripture I gave at the beginning. 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". we're no longer in sis, but if we sin we have an advocate. if we confess our sins he is faithful and Just to forgive us of our sins. understand, sinners and saints are nearly treated the same by God. God require confession from both. but here's the difference. God do not require a sinner to confess his sins in order to be saved, but to confess his son Jesus. and those who are saved, are to confess their sins because they are saved. and remember their are two book, the one who life you lived outside of Christ, and the one you lived inside of Christ. now the cleansing part of 1 John 1:9 . I heard you and several other use the term "feeling". by Faith is no feeling involved, but to know that you're 1. redeemed, (born again). 2. Saved. how do we know that we're saved? Romans 5:10 "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life". what life is this? his blood no,
LIFE: G2222 ζωή zoe (zō-ee') n.
1. life. (more than merely the present physical or natural life).
2. life-above. (above or elevated in relation to the mere physical condition. There may be strong connotations and direct inferences to Spiritual, Kingdom, or Eternal life in certain contexts, but not always. This word deserves special demarcation and attention).
3. epithet of Jesus (John 14:6), the source of life (Col 1:16-17), both of the natural existence and above this mere bodily existence.
4. (Note) The act of genuine, neighborly kindness is an example of living above the mere bodily, flesh-driven existence. In a lower sense, watching the beauty of a sunset with someone and waiting as the stars appear is also an example.
{literally or figuratively. used in a mortal, temporal sense and in an eternal sense}
[from G2198; in contrast to G979]
KJV: life(-time)
take note of definition #1. & #2. 1. more than merely the present physical or natural life (so the blood here is out). 2. life-above, Spiritual, Eternal. this is the LIFE our Savoir possess. it is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh profit NOTHING. and this Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom.
conclusion. the blood was given on the cross, or the altar, which is here on EARTH, for sins that are past. and because we're now save (by his life, Spiritual, which we now live in hope until he appear), if we sin, we confess to be forgiven.
PS our sinful consciences is clean from the acts that lead to death, scripture, 1 Peter 3:21 "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ". this result from REPENTANCE, a changing of one's mind by hearing the good news. and Faith comes by hearing/washing of the word.
I tried to used less words as possible, but if any question, please ask.
peace in Christ Jesus/Yeshua.
