THE BLOOD OF JESUS

Heb. 9:22b Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin.

Early in the life of the Israelites, God established a way for sinful man to deal with his sins. It involved the sacrificial offering of approved animals. Blood had to be sprinkled on the altar and around various parts of the Tabernacle. It was essential because God put the life of all living creatures in the blood. It is the most essential part of the body. It is what carries the oxygen throughout the body. If there is no blood flowing, there is no life.

In doing this, God prepared the way for the death of Christ for our sins. Life had to be given for life. Animal sacrifices had to be made often because they could only cover up the sins of the people, not do away with them. As long as the sacrifices were made, they would not be subject to God’s holy wrath. They were imperfect offerings that were acceptable until Jesus came. Jesus was the perfect offering. He lived life without sin and went to the cross as a perfectly righteous and holy sacrifice. His death was the perfect sacrifice and it is sufficient to take away the sins of all who come to Him for all time.

If Jesus had not died, we would still be lost in our sins. We would still be under the Law and have to offer animal sacrifices. But, Jesus did die, was buried and rose from the dead. He is seated in heaven at God’s right hand and ministers on our behalf before God our Father. Anyone who desires to be made right with God must first be made right with Christ. He must come to Christ acknowledging his sins, confess them to Christ and ask Him for forgiveness. Only then can God forgive us and adopt us into His heavenly family.