Exhortations

Blood Sacrifice

It is sad to say, but many lost souls are blinded by old claims that the blood of Jesus saves us from sins. This blood atonement using animals as sacrifices is written in the Pentateuch, and the Israelites, who are under the law, need to fulfill the law. Leviticus 17:11 states that whoever made the sin is the one who will make Atonement for himself, not anyone else.

If it is necessary to honor the blood of Jesus on every occasion, we should not make it an issue. It should be in moderation and not be excessive so that it draws too much attention. Thus, a reaction comes from the hearers. To use the names of any member of the Godhead, there must be extra careful to protect the sacredness of the oneness of their Spirit—The Holy Trinity. 

The Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) was once a believer in blood atonement. Some believe that the way the murderer could pay for their sins was to be killed. Jehovah’s Witnesses also believe that blood represents life and is sacred to God. Therefore, God authorized blood as the only means for the Atonement of sins.

We can mention many past beliefs about the Atonement of sins, which will lead to either the slaughtered body of an animal or a human as a sin offering. Blood is used in different ways for the forgiveness of sins. There is a sprinkling of blood on the altar, killing an animal for the sin offering for those who can afford it, but those that cannot afford it can offer flour and any other affordable kind allowed in their law.

What they believe is what they believe, and we should not interfere with how they practice their belief system. We have our own, of course; we also do not want to be intimidated by their distractions. Sometimes we act arrogantly and out of decency; we boastfully profess that we are under grace and not under the Mosaic Law. The question is the truth about Atonement. Is it the blood or the life that is supposed to be sacrificed?

If the blood of Jesus is the only way to redeem us, he must have told us already. He is silent about it. When we base this on what Jesus had  said, “the Father was delighted when He laid down his life.” John 10:17. This shows that it is his life, not the blood. Blood is the symbol of life. So, his life is the sacrifice, not the blood; I am trying to make a point and not to be dogmatic about it, and at the end of this article, we still need to treat the blood with respect.

Jesus gave up the Spirit that gives life to save the world. And do you know whose Spirit he gave up? Indeed! Of course!! It is “The Spirit of God.” Imagine if you have the Spirit of God, will you give it up for the sake of others without assurance that you will get it back?

The Voice

“More than that, do not spill the blood of any human. If anyone spills your blood, I will hold him responsible. It makes no difference whether it is a man or an animal; both will be accountable to Me! If someone murders a fellow human being, I will require his life in return. Whoever sheds the blood of a human, that person’s blood will be shed in return by another, for God made humanity in His image.” Genesis 9:5-7

God will reform our bodies, and the Holy Spirit will renew our spirits. We will be new creations. What we should do now is stay focused and meditate on these words:

Blood is thicker than… Remember the free will that we can use when making decisions. 

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:37

Parallel Verse: Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters–yes, even his own life–he cannot be My disciple.”

Jesus is the one talking here, Is the word coming out of his mouth his? Jesus, in John 12:48-50 48, said: “He who rejects Me and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on My authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

Bishop Joseph

Dr. Joseph Vitug, Ph.D. - Bishop Emeritus

Related Articles

Back to top button