Blood has been an issue since the fall of man in the garden.
The first blood shed was when God had to kill animals to
make coverings for Adam and Eve. He wrapped them in bloody fur and as they
looked at the blood covering their own skin, they were reminded of the
consequence of what they did. They became conscious of sin.
Without shedding of blood there is no remission of sin
(Hebrews 9:22).
When God instituted the priesthood, He gave instructions for
the way Israel was to offer sacrifices for their sin.
Blood was spilled day after day in the Temple. The priests
work was never done because an animal sacrifice cannot take away sin. It can only
cover it for a time. There were regulations the priests followed to keep the
Temple area clean, but can you imagine the sight of the red flow that constantly
ran? The smell of blood and burning flesh was a constant reminder of the price
of the fall of man.
These sacrifices were a shadow of the complete salvation God
had in mind. When His own Son shed His blood, it was perfect. There was no need
for another sacrifice. There was no need for more blood to be shed.
For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come,
and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices,
which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For
then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once
purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices
there is a reminder of sins ever year. For it is not possible that the blood of
bulls and goats could take away sins (Hebrews 10:1-4 NKJV).
Jesus was the sacrifice and He was also the priest. He took His
own blood shed as the Lamb and in the office of our High Priest He sprinkled it
on the altar in heaven (Hebrews 9:12). His work was complete and this priest
sat down. It was finished (Hebrews 10:12).
Now there is no more smell of death. God said Christ in us
is a sweet-smelling sacrifice.
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in
Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For
we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and
among those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:14-15).
Because sin has now been done away with as far as God is
concerned. Mankind’s part is now to accept that sacrifice and be washed clean. Jesus
completed the work He was sent to do so we would have righteousness and have no
more consciousness of sin.
That is why He came, why He lived, why He died and why He
rose from the dead.
To restore the righteous standing between God and man that
was lost in Eden. He wants us to dwell on the righteousness He gave us and not
wallow in the regret of sin. No more consciousness of sin.
As you celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, may
you ponder the truth of His righteousness that was given to you.
Happy Resurrection Day!
Join the conversation and share your thoughts.
Christ restored relationship with God so we would have no more consciousness of sin (click to tweet)
Barbara, your post is both educational and inspiring. I had never considered that the first shedding of blood was for the animals God used to make clothes for Adam and Eve after their sin. But that certainly makes sense. So much important information in your message. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe first time I realized God's supply for Adam and Eve's clothing required the shedding of blood, I was amazed, too. Thank you, Katherine, for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteWhat a hopeful post for Easter and beyond! His righteousness is indeed a gift.
ReplyDeleteYes, the greatest gift He could give to a sinful world. Thanks for sharing, Jeannie. Blessings!
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