For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.

Leviticus 17:11

So much blood is shed in the Bible. So many sacrifices, so many bulls and rams and goats and lambs are sacrificed. Blood runs freely.

What is God saying to us?

God is teaching us about sin. God is teaching us that sin is serious before a holy God and that sin must be paid for with our lives. Our only hope is if a substitute dies in our place, if the blood of a substitute is shed instead of our blood.

This truth begins in the Garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve sin. Fig leaves won’t do and God covers Adam and Eve with animal skins. Blood is shed.

It continues all through the Old Testament. So many sacrifices. So much blood. All of it as a covering for sin.

And then, Jesus shows up. His messenger, John the Baptist, calls out, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Then, his life culminates on a cross. His blood is shed. Sin is paid for. Your sin. My sin.

Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22b).

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood (Revelation 1:5b).

Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot (1 Peter 1:18-19).

The precious blood of Christ. The Lamb of God.