When we say "the blood is applied", what exactly are we meaning? Because no literal blood is LITERALLY (physically) applied to anyone. I believe what we are meaning to say is that the death of Christ becomes effective in our lives to secure our pardon. As well as our sanctification (because blood was applied to not only provide remission of sins, but sanctification, cleansing, etc as well).
We also have to keep in mind that the blood, being a short-hand way of speaking of Christ's death, is something that has a range of applications, if you will. "The cross" is another term that refers essentially to the same thing (Christ's death).
So when does the cross apply? Well, Christ was "slain from the foundation of the world" so it began to be applied from the foundation of the world. It is a continuous covering, because Christ is the fulfillment of the daily sacrifice (every day), so therefore the blood has a continuous and ongoing work. That is to say, Christ's death has continuous and ongoing effects, even in the lives of heathen unbelievers.
The blood provides
opportunity for pardon, redemption, sanctification, etc, so it has an effect on a person even before they become a believer. And Christ's death continues to produce effects all through the entire conversion process, all through the earthly life of the saint, and will continue all the way through the resurrection.
But as for when is a person's sins remitted? In baptism. Repentance is a component and necessary part of baptism, for without repentance it simply is not baptism but a mere quick bath that benefits the flesh only. Real baptism is according to
1 Peter 3 "the answer of a good conscience toward God", thus repentance is implied.
One does not identify with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection except through baptism (
Romans 6). Baptism is when we are placed into His death ("the blood").
Exodus 12:7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.
This shows the Passover Lamb must die. All Israel covering their doors with blood showed that the elect are purchased or redeemed from death and wrath by the blood of that Lamb. It does not however equate to anyone's sins being personally forgiven.
Ex 12 was the "Egyptian Passover", a one time event, corresponding to the Lord's crucifixion and death. His crucifixion secured deliverance and redemption for all the elect, but one has to be part of the elect to get any benefit from it. And, one is not elect unless they are "in Christ". So
Ex 12 shows the "national redemption" made possible by the Passover, just as Calvary showed the "national redemption" made possible by Christ for the new covenant nation that was being birthed. But as individuals, we like Israel of old must be circumcised and eat the Passover, ie it must be applied to each of us individually, not just corporately.
Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Repent and be converted, meaning change your ways and become followers of Jesus Christ. Why? So your sins may be blotted out. When? "The times of refreshing", which coincide with verse 20-21:
Acts 3:20-21 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: (21) Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
This is referring to Judgment Day. One's sins most definitely need to be blotted out on Judgment Day, otherwise one is in big trouble.
This is not saying one's sins are not remitted until Judgment Day, necessarily, but that one's sins must be blotted out on Judgment Day. That is, on Judgment Day, when you stand before God, you must stand with no sins on your record, they must be gone (which comes from being converted ie from being in Christ as a new creature).
I do not think
Acts 3:19 is pinpointing the moment a person's sins are pardoned during the conversion process, it is making a more general statement that one must be converted in order to stand before God on Judgment Day clean and robed in white (having "put on" Christ).
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