What New Testament teachings align with Leviticus 17:14's prohibition on consuming blood? Living Roots: Leviticus 17:14 “For the life of all flesh is its blood. Therefore I have said to the Israelites, ‘You must not eat the blood of any creature, because the life of every creature is its blood; whoever eats it must be cut off.’ ” (Leviticus 17:14) Direct New Testament Echoes The early church never treated this command as a relic: • Acts 15:20 – “…abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.” • Acts 15:29 – “You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.” • Acts 21:25 – “As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.” Why the Apostles Reaffirmed the Ban • Continuity of revelation—same God, same principle: life belongs to Him. • Practical unity—Jewish and Gentile believers could eat together without offense (Acts 15:19, 21). • Moral seriousness—blood is tied to atonement (Hebrews 9:22). Treating it casually dulls reverence for Christ’s sacrifice. Blood in the New Covenant • Hebrews 9:22 – “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” • 1 Peter 1:18-19 – We were redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ.” • Revelation 5:9 – The Lamb “purchased men for God” with His blood. Blood is still sacred; now its ultimate meaning is revealed in Jesus’ cross. Symbolic Fellowship, Not Literal Drinking • Luke 22:20 – “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.” • John 6:53 – “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.” The Lord’s Supper uses metaphor—wine represents blood. The command not to ingest literal blood remains; the symbol points to the life Christ gave. Practical Takeaways Today • Honor life by refusing foods prepared with blood still in them (e.g., strangled meat, blood dishes). • Approach Communion with deep gratitude; the cup reminds us that life belongs to God and that salvation cost Jesus His blood. • Let reverence for Christ’s blood shape attitudes toward violence, abortion, and any disregard for human life. The New Testament doesn’t loosen Leviticus 17:14; it lifts the curtain on its deepest meaning and calls believers to an even higher reverence for the life-in-the-blood God has provided. |
    |