RPG Adults
BLOOD WAS NECESSARY FOR SANCTIFICATION
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31
Hebrews 9:11-28
Mark 14:24-25
“This is my blood of the new
testament, which is shed for many.”
BLOOD WAS NECESSARY FOR SANCTIFICATION
Long before the institution of the Law of Moses, men knew the truth of the necessity of blood sacrifice. Abel was the first one to do so. Others mentioned in the pre-Mosaic era are Noah and Job.
The shedding of blood was necessary in the first covenant. Moses himself used the blood of calves and goats to sprinkle on the book and the people. He sprinkled also the tabernacle and the vessels. The understanding of animal sacrifice was that they sanctify the flesh. This was a ritual that dominated the old form of worship. The priests were permanently engaged in rendering the service of blood sacrifice. The high priest also offered the most sacred sacrifice once every year. These had to be repeated till the Messiah came.
The Apostles addressed the details of the changes that had to come with the new covenant as far as external observations were concerned. The people who were used to the old order were not easily persuaded to accept the new way. It is the Spirit of God only that could enlighten their understanding. Those who accepted also needed to know the particulars and application of the new order.
A testament has to have a testator and it remains even after the death of the concerned person. All this is summed up in Hebrews 9:22: “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” This was commanded in Exodus 29:12 and Leviticus 8:15. Moses put the blood on the horns of the altar and poured it all beside the bottom of the altar to purify and sanctify, and to make reconciliation.
THOUGHT: “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee that I can be whiter than snow.