Remembering the Loving Blood of Christ

And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5–6, ESV)

     Two days previous to writing this article, I had the privilege of donating blood. As I sat hooked up to an apheresis machine, I could not help but glance around the room. My heart was thankful for 10+ other individuals in process or lining up to donate the gift of life. What a loving act! Currently, blood banks everywhere are trying to catch up on a blood shortage. There is no replacement. Blood cannot be manufactured in a lab. It has to be collected from living human beings. Blood is truly the gift of life… and it is urgently needed.

     Why all this talk about blood? Maybe some readers are already getting queasy just thinking about it. In the Bible there is a clear theology of blood. Think about just a few examples of blood in the Old Testament:

Genesis 3 – God sheds the blood of animals to clothe Adam and Eve

Genesis 9 – After destroying life through the flood God makes a covenant with Noah:

Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed. (Gen. 9:6a, ESV)

Exodus 12 – God promises to “pass over” the houses with blood on the doorposts

Exodus 24 (and most of Leviticus) – Blood of atonement is sprinkled on the people and the altar

The Judges and Kings of Israel – Accounts are given of constant bloodshed as a result of sin

The Prophets – God calls the blood of bulls and goats insufficient and promises a Messiah

     When we turn the page into the New Testament, the theology of blood continues. Jesus is called the Lamb of God who carries away the sin of the world. In the garden, Jesus sweats great drops of blood. At His trial, Jesus is whipped until almost unrecognizable. On the cross, Jesus hands and feet are nailed. After his death, Jesus side is pierced so that blood and water gush out.

     What does all of this blood mean for us? Jesus’ blood means life! The Red Cross provides blood to extend life on this earth, but the Cross of Christ provides blood to provide life beyond this earth – forever. Paul says, “In Him (Christ) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). In Revelation 1, John reminds us that Jesus is the One “who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood” (Rev. 1:5b).

     This February marks both Valentine’s Day and the beginning of Lent (Ash Wednesday). As sweethearts and family members exchange heart-shaped reminders of love, let’s remember the symbol of Christ’s love – the blood of His cross.

At the cross, at the cross I surrender my life
I'm in awe of You I'm in awe of You
Where Your love ran red and my sin washed white
I owe all to You I owe all to You

 - At the Cross (Love Ran Red) by Chris Tomlin

Remembering the loving blood of Christ,      Pastor Matthew