THE POWER OF BLOOD
Christianity is often viewed as a very bloody religion. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, there's so much blood spilled. This might seem strange or even off-putting to some, but there's a profound significance behind it.
I remember something my pastor said that really stood out to me. He talked about how, during our feasts and celebrations here in Africa, we go big. We slaughter cows, goats, chickens, and more, often doing it outside. When people come across the blood on the ground, they usually skip over it or avoid stepping on it. The same thing happens when someone is injured and their blood spills on the ground, nobody wants to step on it. Why is that?
The natural mind struggles to comprehend this, and we often come up with elaborate explanations for our actions. Some might see it as tampering with evidence in the case of an injury, while others, especially in more superstitious communities, might view it as a sign of disrespect. Regardless, we develop an instinctive aversion to stepping on blood.
As Christians, we also have a unique perspective on this.
The Bible tells us that the first blood spilled was that of Abel. God confronted Cain, saying, "The voice of your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground" (Genesis 4:10). This reveals that blood has a voice and that God hears it.
Secondly, when we look at Leviticus 17:11, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul," the Bible tells us that blood contains life.
Then Thirdly!
Now, I want to make a bold claim. You might not accept it or could consider it, but I just want to put it out there—I'm not saying it is a fact. Look, if you will, at the story of Joseph when his brothers wanted him out and plotted to kill him. While they were still plotting, their older brother suggested that they should slaughter an animal instead and sell Joseph away. In a way, the animal took his place, and Joseph escaped death. By this view, it points out that blood exempts, or put in place of, or in other words, frees or saves.This is something that would later be referenced in the person of Jesus Christ.
This concept of blood as a means of exemption or salvation is deeply rooted in the Christian faith. An act of sacrifice that is seen as the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system, where animals were offered to God to atone for the sins of the people.
In Hebrews 9:22, it is written, "And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission." This underscores the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus' sacrifice was the ultimate act of love and redemption, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled with God.
Now you may ask, how does blood forgive sins? In the Old Testament, priests would offer sacrifices for the atonement of sins. Leviticus 16:15-16 describes how the high priest would slaughter a goat as a sin offering for the people and sprinkle its blood on the mercy seat to make atonement for the Israelites' sins. This ritual was a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice to come.
It is written, Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God. As John the Baptist proclaimed, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29).
Furthermore, the Bible tells us, "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made" (John 1:3). Jesus Christ, who was without sin, is described in 1 Peter 2:22 as one "who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth." Hebrews 4:15 also affirms, "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin."
Humanity used to come under the rule and act of a human priest, and the priest offered sacrifices, but the blood was not of our kind. Hebrews 10:4 states, "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins." This highlights the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and the necessity of Jesus' perfect sacrifice.
Jesus Christ, who made it clear that He was with the Father from the beginning, has been written of Him that He emptied Himself. Philippians 2:7 says, "but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men." He took off His glory and came down as a human being, in the likeness of Adam (who is called mankind: both male and female).
He came as a human being to save human beings who needed saving after having fallen away. It was humanity that needed saving, and everything was finished at the cross when His blood was spilled, and He said, "It is finished" (John 19:30).
If we, as humans, and all things were made in Him, and He was without sin and shed His blood, which speaks and forgives, then it is by faith we receive such an act that God Himself has done. Jesus’ sacrifice was the ultimate act of love and redemption, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled with God.
How do we know this is what happened, you may ask? The essence of Christianity is built on the basis of faith. If there were no such thing as faith, there would be no such thing as Christianity. One cannot do without the other, and all over the Bible, especially in moments when Jesus and the Apostles taught, they usually emphasized faith as an important aspect. Jesus Christ said to Thomas, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29).
The power of blood in Christianity is not just about physical life but also about spiritual life. The blood of Jesus is believed to cleanse believers from all unrighteousness and grant them eternal life. This is why the blood of Christ is often celebrated in Christian rituals such as Communion, where believers partake in the symbolic representation of Jesus’ body and blood.
In conclusion, while the concept of blood in Christianity might seem strange or unsettling at first glance, it carries profound spiritual significance. It represents life, atonement, and salvation. The blood of Jesus is proof of God’s immense love for humanity and His desire to bring us into a relationship with Him.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life". (John 3:16)
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