Why blood? Have you ever wondered if God could have brought salvation to fallen man through another means? Jesus even prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane asking if it were possible for the cup of wrath to be passed. Yet, Jesus submitted to the Father’s will. Why would blood be necessary to produce redemption?
God is holy, righteous, and pure. There is not a fraction of sin in God’s character. He is perfect. God’s character demands perfection from His creation. As you know, we live on a broken planet and inherited the sin nature from Adam. We are without hope. There is not a chance that we could ever erase the curse that keeps us from knowing God and coming into His Kingdom.
God took the initiative by demonstrating the necessity of the blood sacrifice in response to providing covering for Adam and Eve after they fell. God killed an animal in order to atone for their sin and to cover their nakedness. Later, God instituted the blood sacrifice through the tabernacle and then the temple. The blood sacrifice is the non-negotiable for the removal of sin.
- “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Heb 9:22 (NIV)
- “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” Eph 2:13 (NIV)
Jesus is the sinless sacrificial Lamb of God. Jesus became the substitute for our sin. He shed His own blood so that we could be made right with God and experience His abiding peace and live in the assurance of His eternal security. Have you made that transaction? Have you confessed your sin and received God’s gift of eternal life? If so, say so! Let somebody know about your spiritual story this week. Testify of God’s redeeming love!
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care