The subject worked out for this month is-The Blood-its value and meaning.
In the Old Testament The great thought presented to us in the Old Testament concerning blood is that it represents life: the passages which show this are too numerous to cite. Two however are prominent-Gen. 9:4, "the life thereof which is the blood thereof," and Lev. 17:11, 14, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood." To the former of these passages is added the solemn warning as to murder, as to which read Num. 35, and to the latter the important truth that "it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." It is in connection with this truth we find the blood used in a figurative sense.
The directions in Ex. 12 as to the blood of the passover lamb are of the deepest interest: in our number for June last the various aspects in which this sacrifice was typical of our Lord were clearly brought before us, and we may now notice the manner in which its blood was to be usedThe blood was to be sprinkled on the two sideposts and the lintel of each house in which the passover lamb was eaten, and this ensured the safety of the inmates, for God said " When I see the blood I will pass over you." Ex. 12:13.
In Ex. 24:6-8 we find the blood used in connection with and as the basis of the covenant of works under which the people of Israel voluntarily placed themselves. This is called the old covenant (Heb. 8.53), and may be contrasted with the terms in which the Lord speaks of the new covenant (Matt. 26:28, etc.) See also Zech. 9:11 margin.
In Ex. 29 it is used in connection with the consecration of the priests. Here the blood of the ram of consecration was to be put on the tip of Aaron's right ear, the thumb of his right hand and the great toe of his right foot, and similarly with his sons; and it was further to be sprinkled upon the altar and some taken therefrom and sprinkled upon them and upon their garments. See also Lev. 14:25.
We now come to the offerings and sacrifices of Leviticus where the fullest teaching is presented: In the burnt offering, the blood was to be sprinkled round about upon the altar, Lev. 1:5.
In the peace offering-, the blood was to be sprinkled in a similar manner round about upon the altar (Chapter 3:2).
In the trespass offering, the blood was to be sprinkled seven times before the Lord, before the vail of the sanctuary (Chapter 4:6), some was to be put upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense (4:7) and the rest was to be poured out at the bottom of the altar of burnt offering (4:7),-these instructions were for the cases in which a priest, or the whole congregation sinned: when a ruler or one of the common people sinned the blood was not sprinkled before the vail of the sanctuary.
If any garment was sprinkled with the blood of a sin offering it was to be washed in the holy place (Chapter 6:27).
Blood was on no account to be eaten, the penalty being death. This important injunction is frequently repeated (Chapter 3:17; 7:26, 27, etc., also Acts 15:20, 29). Notice the failure of Israel in this respect, I Sam. 32-34.
In the cleansing of the leper, the living bird, the cedar wood, the scarlet and the hyssop were dipped in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water, and the leper was to be sprinkled seven times, Lev. 14:6-17.
In the sin offering of the great day of atonement, the blood of the sacrifice was to be sprinkled upon the mercy seat eastward, and before the mercy seat seven times: the altar of burnt offering was also to be sprinkled seven times, and blood to be put upon its horns.
The blood of the red heifer (Num. 19), whose ashes were to be kept for a water of separation, was to be sprinkled directly before the tabernacle of the congregation seven times.
"And the priests killed them, and they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Israel." 2 Ch. 29:24.
Human blood was not to be offered in sacrifice, Psa. 106:38.
In the New Testament:
The Blood Of Christ:
Is the basis of the new covenant or testament. Matt. 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; " Shed for many for the remission of sins.' For the application of this to the Christian, see 1 Cor. 11:25, and to the Jew, see Heb. 8, also Heb. 10:29 and 13:20.
Rests upon the Jews nationally, Matt. 27:25; Acts 5:28; Deut. 19:10. To be (spiritually) drunk by the believer, John 6:53,63.
Came forth from His side, John 19:34; 1 John 5:6.
Is the means through faith of blessing, Rom. 3:25.
And the basis of communion, 1 Cor. 10:16; 1 John 1:7.
By it He entered in once into the Holy Place, Heb. 9:12.
As the blood of sprinkling, it speaks better things than that of Abel, Heb. 12:24.
Bears witness on earth, 1 John 5:8.
Those who come out of the great tribulation washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, Rev. 7:14.
By the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony Satan is overcome, Rev. 12:11.
Avails for,
Purchase, Acts 20:28.
Justification, Rom. 5:9-
Redemption, Eph. 1:7,; Col. 1:14; 1 Peter 1:19.
Bringing nigh, Eph. 2:13.
Peace, Col. 1:20.
Purging of the conscience, Heb. 9:14.
Entrance into the holiest, Heb. 10:19.
Sanctification, Heb. 13:12.
Cleansing, 1 John 1:7; 1 Peter 1:2.
Washing (or freeing) from sin, Rev. 1:5.
Blood also signifies that which is of nature, Matt. 16:17; John 1:13.