CHARLES HARRIS: Blood is a Biblical life-giving force

Isn’t blood just that red fluid that is circulating through the body? From a simplified physical point of view, that might suffice as an answer for a young child. But having an understanding of blood, especially the spiritual significance that the Bible gives to it, can enhance our appreciation for God’s eternal scheme and deepen our love for the Lord.

As the death of the firstborn in Egypt was announced by Moses to the children of Israel, God promised that He would “make a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.” (Exodus 11:7) But how? How would God recognize one of His children separate and apart from the wicked Egyptians and spare His children as promised? Israel was told to “take some of the blood” of that lamb that had been set aside and “put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses.” (Exodus 12:7) And God promised, “And when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” (Exodus 12:13) Blood consecrated and saved those who were obedient.

After the children of Israel had been delivered from Egypt, God made a covenant with them, in which He set forth His laws by which Israel could remain faithful, loyal and holy to Him. So, how would God be able to recognize one of His children separate and apart from the rest of creation? A major part of that covenant were the animal sacrifices that were to be offered to God. Hear these words from God about the critical element of those sacrifices — “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” (Leviticus 17:11) Blood consecrated and saved those who were obedient.

In the New Testament, we learn that as necessary as the blood of animals was in the Old Testament, “It is not possible that [it] could take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:4) But, there was the blood of One who could. “Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood [Christ] entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption … how much more shall the blood of Christ … cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:12-14) How would God recognize His children separate and apart from others? His Son redeemed us with His own precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19), providing for us “through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Ephesians 1:7) Blood consecrates, saves and gives life!

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power? Have you been washed by the blood of the Lamb? Those are sobering questions to consider. It was at His death on the cross that Jesus shed His soul cleansing blood. How are we to contact the blood at the cross? Romans 6:3-4, among many other passages, teaches us that when we as penitent believers are baptized, we are baptized into His death, thereby contacting His blood. Following our baptism, we are then raised to walk in a newness of life, staying cleansed by His blood (1 John 1:7). Have you contacted the blood? Are you sure? Life is still in the blood.

The Beattie Road Church of Christ meets at 1731 Beattie Road in Albany. Times of services are: 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information, call (229) 435-2193 or (870) 500-5535 or visit beattieroad.com.