The Truth About the Blood: Atonement Through Sacrifice

 In a world increasingly detached from biblical truths, where modern interpretations often dilute the raw power of Scripture, it's vital for us as fundamentalist Christians to return to the foundational doctrines that define our faith. The homily "The Truth About the Blood," inspired by Leviticus 17:11, serves as a stark reminder of God's unchanging plan for redemption. This verse states: "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" (KJV). Let's delve deeper into this profound truth, expanding on its implications for our daily lives, our understanding of sin, and the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Drawing from additional Scriptures, we'll explore how this Old Testament principle foreshadows the New Covenant and calls us to a life of holiness.

 The Sacred Essence of Blood in Scripture


From the very beginning, the Bible establishes blood as more than a biological necessity—it's the divine emblem of life itself. In Genesis 9:4, after the flood, God instructs Noah: "But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat." This command underscores that life is sacred and belongs to God alone. Fast forward to the Mosaic Law, and we see this principle codified in the sacrificial system. Leviticus 17:11 isn't isolated; it's part of a broader context in chapters 16-17 detailing the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), where the high priest would sacrifice a bull and a goat, sprinkling their blood to cleanse the people from sin (Leviticus 16:15-19).


Why blood? Because sin demands a life-for-life exchange. As Romans 6:23 plainly states, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices provided a temporary covering, but they were imperfect. Hebrews 10:1-4 explains that these rituals were "a shadow of good things to come," unable to perfect the worshippers or remove sins permanently. Imagine the scene in the tabernacle: the aroma of burning offerings, the solemnity of the priest's actions—all pointing to a greater reality. For us today, this reminds us that no amount of good works, rituals, or self-improvement can atone for our sins. Only blood can purge the guilt.


The Ultimate Atonement: The Blood of Christ


This brings us to the heart of the Gospel—the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The homily rightly points to John 1:29, where John the Baptist declares Jesus as "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Isaiah's prophecy in chapter 53 paints a vivid picture: "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). On Calvary, Jesus fulfilled every type and shadow of the Old Testament sacrifices. His blood wasn't spilled accidentally; it was poured out willingly, as He Himself said in Matthew 26:28: "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."


Expanding on this, consider the power of Christ's blood in our personal salvation. In Colossians 1:20, Paul writes that God made "peace through the blood of his cross." This peace isn't fleeting; it's eternal reconciliation. For fundamentalist believers, this doctrine combats the errors of liberal theology, which might reduce the cross to a mere example of love rather than a literal substitutionary atonement. 1 John 1:7 assures us: "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." Have you claimed this cleansing? In a culture that glorifies self-reliance, we're called to humility, acknowledging that "without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22).


Moreover, the blood of Christ empowers us for victorious living. Revelation 12:11 describes overcomers who triumph "by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." In spiritual warfare, we plead the blood not as a magical incantation but as a declaration of faith in Christ's finished work. This truth extends to communion, where Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, saying, "This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me" (1 Corinthians 11:25). Each time we partake, we're reminded of the cost of our freedom.


Living in Light of the Blood


So, what does this mean practically for us in 2026? Amidst societal pressures to compromise on biblical absolutes—whether it's moral relativism or watered-down evangelism—we must stand firm. The blood atonement doctrine fuels our evangelism: as Acts 20:28 urges, the church was purchased "with his own blood." Share this message unapologetically. It also calls us to personal purity. Knowing the price paid, how can we indulge in sin? As 1 Peter 1:18-19 reminds us, we were redeemed "with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."


In conclusion, the truth about the blood is the cornerstone of our faith. From Leviticus to Revelation, Scripture weaves a tapestry of redemption through sacrifice. Let us meditate on this, live it out, and proclaim it boldly. As we sing in that old hymn, "Nothing but the blood of Jesus" can wash away our sins. May this truth transform your walk with God today.

DMMC 

1-6-26

Location: Peru, IN 46970, USA

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