Why We Must Be Holy - Conclusion of HOLY OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S LAW ON BLOOD

Read Ephesians  1:7. The sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, who willing 'handed himself over for us; has profound meaning for all who love him and his Father.  (Galatians 2:20) Nonetheless, it was what Jesus did after his death and resurrection that truly released us, making forgiveness of our sins possible. Jesus fulfilled what was foreshadowed in the Mosaic Law on the Day of Atonement.  On that day, the high priest took some of the blood of the sacrificial animals into the Most Holy of the tabernacle, and later into Solomon's temple, and presented it before God, as if in his presence.  (Leviticus 16:11-15)  In like manner, Jesus entered heaven itself with the value of his human presence.  (Hebrews 9:6, 6, 11-14,24-28) How grateful we are that we have our sins forgiven and our consciences cleansed because we exercise faith in the blood of Jesus! 

Are you now in a better position to understand why Jehovah command us not to eat "any sort of blood"? (Leviticus 17:10)  Do you grasp the reason why God considers blood to be sacred? He essentially views blood as equivalent to life.  (Genesis 9:4)  Do you agree that we should accept God's view of blood and obey his command to abstain from it? The only way any of us can have peace with God is to have faith in Jesus' ransom sacrifice and appreciate that blood has special meaning to our Creator. - COLOSSIANS 1:19, 20.

Any one of us could suddenly find ourselves facing the blood issue.  Or a family member of or dear friend could unexpectedly be confronted with the issue of whether to accept a blood transfusion or not.  During such a crisis, decisions also need to be made regarding blood fractions and medical procedures.  Therefore, it is very important to do research and prepare for a possible emergency.  Along with prayer, such measures will help us to take a firm stand and avoid compromising on the matter. Surely we do not want to sadden Jehovah's heart by accepting something that his Word condemns!  Many medical professionals and other advocates of blood transfusion appeal to the people to donate blood in hopes of saving lives.  However, Jehovah's holy spirit acknowledge that the Creator has a right to say how blood is to be treated.  To him "any sort of blood" is sacred.  We must be determined to obey his law on blood.  By our holy conduct, we prove to him that we deeply appreciate the lifesaving power of Jesus' blood-the only blood that makes possible the forgiveness of sin and everlasting life. - JOHN 3:16. 

Next time: Why We Must Be Holy - WHY JEHOVAH EXPECTS US TO BE HOLY

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