How does Exodus 29:12 connect to Jesus' sacrifice in the New Testament? The Scene at Sinai • Exodus 29:12 sets the stage: “And take some of the bull’s blood, put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest at the base of the altar.” • Moses consecrated the bronze altar so Israel’s priests could minister safely before a holy God. • Two actions stand out—blood on the horns and blood poured out—both pointing forward to a greater sacrifice. Symbolism in the Blood Ritual • Horns signify strength, authority, and a place of refuge (1 Kings 1:50). Blood on them shows that atonement reaches the seat of power. • Pouring the rest at the base signals total coverage; nothing is left outside the cleansing flow (Leviticus 17:11). • The bull, a sin offering, substitutes for the priests; its life is given so theirs may continue. Jesus and the Final Altar • At the cross, Jesus becomes the true sin offering: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf” (2 Corinthians 5:21). • His blood touches heaven’s “horns” as our High Priest enters the Most Holy Place “once for all by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:12). • It is also poured out on earth—“This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). • Thus heaven and earth meet in one reconciling act: “to reconcile to Himself all things…through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20). • The cross satisfies what the altar only foreshadowed. Animal blood covered; Christ’s blood removes (Hebrews 10:10, 14). • As the bull’s blood ordained priests, Christ’s blood ordains believers: “He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (Revelation 1:5-6; 1 Peter 2:9). Living in the Fulfillment • Approach God confidently; the blood on the “horns” secures eternal refuge (Hebrews 4:16). • Rest in complete cleansing; nothing was left unaddressed at the base of Calvary’s altar (Hebrews 9:14). • Serve as consecrated priests—interceding, worshiping, and representing Christ—because the once-for-all sacrifice fully qualifies you. |
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