How does "you must not eat meat with its lifeblood" apply today? The Original Word from God “ But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it.” (Genesis 9:4) Why God Spoke This Way • God had just preserved Noah’s family and all animal life through the flood; He now permitted meat for food (Genesis 9:3) • Blood is singled out because “the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11), a truth that never changes • From the start, God tied blood to atonement and ultimately to the saving work of Christ (Hebrews 9:22) Old Testament Reinforcements • Leviticus 17:10-12 — Israelites and foreigners alike were prohibited from eating blood • Deuteronomy 12:16, 23-25 — the command repeated for the settled land, with the blood to be “poured … like water” These passages show the instruction was not a passing guideline but a standing, moral directive rooted in God’s view of life. New Testament Echoes • Acts 15:20, 29 — the Jerusalem council instructs Gentile believers to “abstain … from blood” The apostles, writing after Christ’s resurrection, still saw wisdom in keeping separated from the casual use of blood in food. Timeless Principles Behind the Command • Life is sacred; we honor the Giver of life by treating blood with reverence • Blood points to redemption; casual consumption dulls the symbol God chose to highlight Christ’s sacrifice • Obedience in everyday matters—such as diet—teaches us to yield every part of life to the Lord Practical Application Today • Drain and cook meat thoroughly rather than eating it rare or raw with visible blood • Decline foods prepared with added animal blood (certain sausages, stews, or drinks) • When traveling or dining cross-culturally, graciously ask how meat is prepared and choose options that avoid blood • Explain your choice as a matter of honoring Scripture and conscience, not as a judgment on others • Let the practice remind you daily of the cost of your salvation—“you were redeemed … with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19) Living the Principle Keeping a plate free of blood is a small yet tangible way to confess that life belongs to God, that blood is precious, and that Christ’s shed blood still speaks today. |
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