What does Leviticus 17:11 say about the significance of blood? The Verse in Focus “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by reason of the life.” (Leviticus 17:11) Why Blood Matters to God • Life resides in blood – “the life of the flesh is in the blood”: God locates creaturely life in the bloodstream itself. – Genesis 9:4 echoes this, prohibiting eating blood because it holds life. • Blood belongs to God – “I have given it to you”: the LORD claims ownership of blood and then graciously assigns it a sacred purpose. – This gift points forward to the ultimate provision of Christ’s blood (Hebrews 9:12). • Blood is the ordained means of atonement – “to make atonement for your souls”: sin incurs guilt and requires a life-for-life payment. – Hebrews 9:22 affirms, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Atonement: The Core Theme 1. Substitution • An innocent life is offered in place of the guilty. • Isaiah 53:5 anticipates this principle fulfilled in the Messiah. 2. Cleansing • Blood covers and removes sin’s defilement (Leviticus 16:15–16). • 1 John 1:7: “the blood of Jesus … cleanses us from all sin.” 3. Reconciliation • Atonement restores fellowship between God and people. • Romans 5:9: “having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” Connections to the New Covenant • Jesus fulfills Leviticus 17:11 – Matthew 26:28: “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” – His sacrifice is final and sufficient (Hebrews 10:14). • Believers are redeemed by precious blood – 1 Peter 1:18-19 calls Christ’s blood “precious,” contrasted with perishable silver or gold. • Ongoing significance for worship – We “enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). Living in Light of the Blood • Gratitude: thank God for the costly gift that secures forgiveness. • Holiness: avoid casual attitudes toward sin, remembering its deadly price. • Confidence: approach God boldly, knowing atonement is complete. |
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