Devotional

Redeemed by the Blood

"'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

Believers in Christ have often been criticized for their emphasis upon the blood of Jesus. However, “blood” occurs 360 times in the Old Testament and more than fifty times in the New Testament with reference to atonement. Moses declares in Leviticus that life is in the blood and that only blood can make atonement for sin. 

From the first sacrifice, when God killed animals to make coverings for Adam and Eve, a sacrifice has been required to atone for sin. The truth conveyed is that an innocent one substitutes for the guilty. Romans 6:23 declares that “the wages of sin is death.” We deserve death for our sinful deeds, but Jesus gave His life that we might live, and now offers that life to all who will believe in Him. 

Let us never be ashamed of the gospel of salvation through the blood of Jesus. Rather, let us join the heavenly chorus in singing, “Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!” 

Leviticus