Recently in Wednesday night Bible study, the discussion went to Leviticus 17:11 where it says “For the life of the flesh is in the blood…”. This verse was used to describe the scientific fact that we now know to be true. Most all living things need blood in order to live, with a few exceptions like flatworms, jellyfish, starfish and coral.

It wasn’t until the late 19th century when physicians began to realize that bloodletting was doing more harm to patients than good. Bloodletting was a process in which either the physician or leeches were used to let the blood drain from your body to prevent or cure different illnesses or diseases. Some have even died because too much blood was let out of the body.

God has designed our bodies to need blood. According to oneblood.org – “Blood is essential to life. Blood circulates through our body and delivers essential substances like oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells. It also transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells. There is no substitute for blood. It cannot be made or manufactured. Generous blood donors are the only source of blood for patients in need of a blood transfusion.”

Did you notice “there is no substitute for blood”? We have so many other substitutes for just about anything. Do you need a new hip, shoulder, or knee?All of those have a substitute of man made metal, bolts, and screws. Yet, no one has been able to make a substitute for our life giving blood. Our blood is so unique and complex that it can’t be replicated.

The average adult has 8-12 pints of blood and it’s completely safe for us to donate 1 pint at a time for the benefit of others. God designed our bodies in such a way that we can can replenish that pint in about 12-16 weeks. It’s just amazes me as to how our bodies are designed.

What amazes me even more is the fact that Jesus gave his blood for us. Not just one pint, he gave it all! In order for us to have any forgiveness of our sins Jesus had to pay the price with his blood. Throughout the New Testament we have thirteen times that His blood is required as it’s purchasing price.

Matthew 26:28 – For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Revelation 1:5 – and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,

Acts 20:28 – Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Ephesians 1:7 – In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

Colossians 1:14 – in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

1 Peter 1:18-19 – knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Revelation 5:9 – And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

Romans 3:25 – whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,

Romans 5:9 – Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

Ephesians 2:13 – But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Colossians 1:20 – and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

1 John 1:7 – But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Revelation 12:11 – And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

That is more blood than we have, more than we could ever give, and even if we could we still could not offer what Christ’s shed blood offers. His blood made this all possible. His blood gives us what we need. His blood gives us life: a life that needs to live for Him. Our life is truly in the blood.

By: Kristina Odom