1 John 1:7: "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His son cleanses us from all sin."
Revelation 1:5: "and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and washed us from our sins in His own blood."
The Jewish people had been sacrificing animals on the altar for 1000's of years. They had different sacrifice for different things that were happening in their lives.
Burnt Offerings: The most common of sacrifices. Also called "OLAH". Was made with cattle, sheep, goats and even birds. All depending on what the offer could afford.
Peace Offerings: This had nothing to do with sin. So part was offered on the altar and the other part was consumed by the Offerer and Family to receive 'the Peace'. They also made a vow to one another at this time.
Sin Offering: This was an act of atonement, purging a sin that was committed. This offering could NOT be eaten. It was completely given to God. And it was called "Chatat". Only the priest was allowed to touch this offering.
Guilt Offering: This offering was done to atone for sins of stealing things from the alter. Or breaching or breaking trust with fellow man. ASHAM. very close to our word SHAME. Would cause the sinner to bring their offering and in turn publicly admitting their sin before the community.
Food and Drink Offerings: This represented the fruit of the man's labor. It was a 'first fruit' offering of what ever was produced in the field. There was no sin involved in this offering. In common terms this could be similar to a tithe. Giving back to God a portion of what He blessed you with.
And then God. Sent Jesus. The ultimate sacrifice to free us from bondage and death. He sacrificed himself to reconcile us to God.
Through out the book of Hebrews there are key points that made Jesus the perfect sacrifice. His Deity. His acceptance. His superiority to Moses and Aaron's priesthood. His priestly order of Melchizedek. His eternal priesthood. His sinlessness. His presence at God's right hand, His transcending his sacrifice to heaven NOT just the 'altar' or Holy of Holies. His willingness. (Hebrews: 1:8-9 2:10 5: 1-9 3:1-6 4:9 9: 11-10:4)
This was not a temporary fix this was an eternal one. Going from Adam until His second coming. Jesus Paid it all. He donated His Blood for our salvation, our redemption.We are emancipated from sin and death.
Why Blood. WHY!?! Blood is a symbol of life. It IS life. It keeps us alive. It is messy, respected, feared and not taken lightly. If someone is bleeding we stop and look and help. It shows the severity of our sin. And what it costs to be cleansed. We need to know and understand the depraved of it. And cost of it so we will turn from our sinful nature and become like Jesus.
There is power in His Blood. Power in HIS name. And it is freely given to those who freely accept.
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