How should Leviticus 17:11 influence our view of sin and redemption today? The Verse in Focus “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” (Leviticus 17:11) Atonement and the Cost of Sin • Sin brings death (Romans 6:23). • Because “the life of the flesh is in the blood,” shedding blood vividly displays that death penalty. • God Himself “has given” blood for atonement; forgiveness is never mankind’s invention but heaven’s gift. • Therefore, sin is never trivial—its price tag is life itself. Blood as God’s Design for Redemption • Atonement requires substitution: an innocent life for a guilty one (cf. Exodus 12:13; Hebrews 9:22). • Blood symbolizes both life surrendered and justice satisfied. • From the first animal slain to cover Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21) onward, God’s plan consistently points to a blood-based remedy. From Animal Sacrifice to the Cross • Old-covenant sacrifices were temporary, repeated provisions (Hebrews 10:1-4). • They foreshadowed “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). • Jesus fulfilled Leviticus 17:11 by offering His own blood “once for all” (Hebrews 9:12). – 1 Peter 1:18-19: “You were redeemed… with the precious blood of Christ.” – Ephesians 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.” • No further sacrifice is needed; the cross is the final, complete atonement. Practical Implications for Believers Today • View sin soberly – Every wrong thought, word, or deed required the life of God’s Son to be forgiven. • Rest in Christ’s finished work – Assurance is grounded in His blood, not our performance (Colossians 1:20-22). • Celebrate redemption regularly – The Lord’s Supper keeps fresh the memory of the cost (1 Corinthians 11:25-26). • Pursue holiness gratefully – We were “bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20); therefore our lives belong to Him. • Share the message boldly – Only Christ’s blood answers humanity’s deepest need; evangelism is an act of love. Leviticus 17:11 anchors our understanding of why sin is deadly and why redemption must be bloody, driving us to cherish and proclaim the saving power of Jesus’ sacrifice. |
    |