THE ONLY PROPER USE OF BLOOD

The Mosaic Law emphasized the one proper use of blood. Regarding the worship required of the ancient Israelites, Jehovah commanded:  "The soul [or, life]  of the flesh is in the blood, and I myself have to put it upon the  altar for you to make atonement."  (Leviticus 17:11)  When the Israelites  sinned, they could obtain forgiveness by offering an animal and having some of its blood put on the altar at the tabernacle or later at God's temple.  The only proper use of blood was in such sacrifices. 

True Christians are not under the Mosaic Law and therefore do not offer animal sacrifices and put the blood of the animals on  an altar.  (Hebrews 10:1)  However, the use of blood on the altar in the days of ancient Israel pointed forward to the precious sacrifice of God's Son, Jesus Christ. As we learned in Chapter 5 of this book, Jesus gave his human life for us by letting his blood be shed as a sacrifice. Then he ascended to heaven and once for all time offered the value of the shed blood to God.  (Hebrews 9:11, 12)  That laid the basis for the forgiveness of our sins and opened the way for us to gain everlasting life.  (Matthew 20:28; John 3:16) How extremely important that  use of blood has proved to be!  (1 Peter 1:18, 19)  Only by means of faith in the merit of Jesus' shed blood can we gain salvation. 

 We can be so grateful to Jehovah God for the loving provision of life!  And should that not motivate us to tell others about the opportunity to gain everlasting live on the basis of faith in Jesus' sacrifice?  Godly concern for the lives of fellow humans will move us to do this with eagerness and zeal.  (Ezekiel 3:17-21) If we diligently fulfill this responsibility, we will be able to say, as did the apostle Paul:  "I am clean from the blood of all men, for I have not held back from telling you all the counsel of God." (Acts  20:26, 27) Telling people about God and his purposes is a fine way to show that we have the highest regard for life and blood.  

Next time: How to Make Your Family Life Happy, Chapter Fourteen

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006