For the life of the creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you o make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. Leviticus 17:11 NIV
In the lyrics of a popular gospel song there is a line that says “The blood of Calvary – it will never lose its power.” That point is underlined by the structure of the book of Leviticus. That book is divided into two parts: the sacrificial system, Leviticus 1-17; and instructions for holy living, Leviticus 18-27. The significance of the blood can be seen when we recognize that chapter 17, which closes the whole section on sacrifice, is about blood.
Throughout the presentation of the sacrificial system, blood appears again and again. Why? Leviticus 17 makes it clear: the life is in the blood. Sin is not a little peccadillo that we can laugh off, or buy our way out of. Personally, I think this is what the Cain and Able story is about. God cannot be bought off with a squash, or some other gift. He cannot even be bought off with a sheep. But the life of a sheep? Ah, that is another matter. Was it Jesus’ death that saved us? No, it was his life, a life expressed in the blood pouring from his wounded side. This is the picture we see in the book of Revelation. Who is it “in the midst of the throne”? “The Lamb slain” (Rev 5:6). That is, a lamb with a slit-open throat and the blood pouring down over its chest.
You and I have eternal life because of the blood of Christ, because he gave up his life for us. So, when a modern version says “the death of Christ” whenever the Greek has “the blood of Christ.” that is not technically correct. It is “the life of Christ.” In his life there is life for all of us. But his “blood” is more than just a metaphor, more than just a symbolic expression. It is as though we are receiving a blood transfusion when we are converted. His blood mingled with ours means we live, truly live, forever.
Called To Be Transformed 