For the life of the flesh is in the blood

In commemorating Jesus' crucifixion, the blood that was shed on Calvary takes an important place. That is why I want to dwell on the meaning of blood in this blog. After all, it is essential for life here on earth and for obtaining eternal life.

Don't eat blood

When God makes a covenant with Noah after the flood, He prohibits eating blood. “But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.” Genesis 9:4. Also Leviticus 3:17, 7:26 and 17:10-14 and Deuteronomy 12:16 tell us it is forbidden to eat blood. We find this in the New Testament as well. At the Jerusalem meeting, it is decided that those who convert to God must be taught to abide by a set of rules. “But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.” Acts 15:20. Here too, believers are prohibited from taking blood.

“Both the blood and the fat of animals are consumed as a luxury. But the Lord gave special directions that these should not be eaten. Why? Because their use would make a diseased current of blood in the human system.” CD393.4.

Based on health, there is no reason to drink blood or eat foods with blood in them, such as black pudding. It is possible (for almost everyone) to obtain all the necessary nutrients from plant-based foods. Consuming blood can make you sick if it isn't handled hygienically. Blood contains a lot of proteins, which promotes bacterial growth. Swallowing blood makes many people nauseous. This can happen, for example, in case of a severe nosebleed, after an accident or surgery. Blood can also enter the stomach due to bleeding in the esophagus or, for example, from a stomach ulcer. A relatively small amount can cause vomiting.

Blood is life

If the blood is not in the stomach, but where it should be, in the blood vessels, it does a very useful job. Propelled by the heart, blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. It also removes waste. This is essential for your health, for your life. If you are sick or if a part of your body has been affected by illness, in many cases it helps to stimulate blood circulation. By improving circulation, the necessary building blocks for recovery are supplied and waste products are removed. Thus blood helps to get better. In Leviticus 17 we read: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood… For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof.” Leviticus 17:11 and 14. Blood is life. If there is no blood, there can be no life. We can also apply this spiritually. For this, let's read Leviticus 17:11 in its entirety.The Lord says, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”

Blood is a symbol

Blood is special because of its function in the body and because of its symbolic meaning. Blood is the sign of the covenant between God and His people. Blood was shed for the remission of our sins. “And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.” Exodus 24:8. At the Passover meal, Jesus renews the covenant. “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:27-28. The blood of the sacrificial animals that was shed was a reference to the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. He gave His life so that we may have eternal life. “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.… By the which will (God's will) we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:4 and 10.

His Blood

In John 6 starting from verse 51, Jesus says we must eat His flesh and drink His blood to be saved. “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:53-54. The Jews discuss this with each other. How should this be understood? Of course this concerns the symbolic meaning of His blood.

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins … And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:14 and 20.

Do you partake of His blood? Has God forgiven your sins? Have you been ransomed “with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot?” 1 Peter 1:19.