What does "the life of the flesh is in the blood" teach us? The Foundational Text Leviticus 17:11: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls on the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” What “Life in the Blood” Tells Us • Blood is not merely a bodily fluid; it embodies the very life God breathes into a creature (Genesis 2:7). • Because life belongs to God, blood is treated as sacred, never common (Leviticus 17:14). • The verse establishes a physical and spiritual principle: when blood is shed, life is poured out. God’s Ownership of Life • Life originates with God and is sustained by Him (Acts 17:25). • Respect for blood = respect for the Giver of life. • Human and animal life alike are under divine jurisdiction, setting boundaries against careless violence (Genesis 9:4-6). Blood and Atonement • Sin brings death (Romans 6:23); atonement requires life given in place of life. • Animal sacrifices temporarily covered sin, pointing to a greater solution (Hebrews 9:22). • The altar motif teaches that forgiveness is costly—life must be surrendered. Foreshadowing the Cross • Jesus fulfills the pattern: “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). • At Calvary, perfect, sinless blood provided once-for-all atonement (Hebrews 10:10-14). • The physical shedding of Christ’s blood affirms the literal truth of Leviticus 17:11 and secures eternal life for all who believe (1 Peter 1:18-19). The Sanctity of Life Today • Because life belongs to God, every human being bears inherent worth from conception onward (Psalm 139:13-16). • Violence, murder, and careless disregard for health contradict the sacredness of blood-life. • Mercy, justice, and compassion align with God’s valuation of life (Micah 6:8). Practical Takeaways • Approach the Lord’s Supper with fresh awe, remembering the cost of your redemption. • Honor God by treating every life—born or unborn—with dignity and protection. • Guard personal health; stewardship of your body respects the life-in-the-blood principle (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Proclaim Christ’s atoning blood as the only means of true forgiveness and peace with God. |
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