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Why all the blood?

Posted by Andy Carlisle on 12 Dec 2005

Reading through the Old Testament Book of Leviticus has really provoked me to look at why there was so much emphasis on sacrifice, the need for purity and how much blood featured in purifying the people. I have been told that at a conservative estimate tens of millions of sacrifices must have been made. Before a Holy God we need to bow down and worship, and recognise our place. Nowadays it can be easy to stress grace and forgiveness, forgetting our sin and need of forgiveness and cleansing and repentance. Since the death and resurrection of Jesus it is wonderful to remember that there is no need for further sacrifice.

Hebrews 10 tells us:

This is the covenant I will make with them
after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds."
Then he adds:
"Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more."
And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Let’s fall facedown in worship, adoration, praise and obedience this week.