8. The Practice of Sacrifice: Understanding God's Unique Approach - Col 1:13 Part 1

I served as a pastor for a church on our town’s main street a few years back. I arrived early on a typical Sunday morning to prepare for the service. As I approached the building, I noticed a poster had been placed in the window. It depicted a picture of Jesus on the cross, with a caption that read, "without the shedding of blood, there can be no forgiveness of sins." Initially, I couldn't help but chuckle and think, "Amen." However, as soon as I stepped inside, another thought crossed my mind. I wondered how this message would be received by someone unfamiliar with Christian teachings or who didn't attend church. It dawned on me that many things we say and discuss within Christian circles may sound confusing or nonsensical to those not part of our community.

The Bible is a text that has been studied and analyzed for centuries, and its messages and teachings continue to shape the beliefs and practices of millions of people around the world. However, some passages and verses within the Bible may be difficult to interpret, particularly when viewed through the lens of modern perspectives and values.

One such verse that has sparked debate and discussion among scholars and readers alike is Colossians 1:13-14, which speaks of being delivered from darkness and obtaining redemption through the shedding of blood. In this context, it's important to consider the historical and cultural context in which this verse was written.

Life is in the blood.

Indeed, it’s not hard to conclude that life is in the blood. And this is a concept we all know to be true. Cut a person’s wrists and watch their blood flow out while witnessing life leave their body. Blood is essential to life; therefore, there is a firm biblical principle that life is in the blood.

In the Bible, blood has significant spiritual and symbolic meaning. It is associated with life, sacrifice, and atonement. The book of Leviticus 17:11 states, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul." In the Old Testament, blood played a crucial role in the sacrificial system, as the blood of animals was used to make atonement for the people's sins. This concept was based on the idea that blood represented life, and the shedding of blood was necessary to make amends for wrongdoing and restore a broken relationship with God.

The soul that sins shall die

Throughout the Bible, one of the major themes is humanity's rejection of God's authority and its inclination towards sinfulness. This is universally true of all people from a Christian perspective, as the Bible repeatedly emphasizes that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). The consequences of sin are severe, with the Scriptures stating that "the soul that sins shall die" (Ezekiel 18:20). However, another prominent theme in the Bible is God's great love for humanity. Despite humanity's constant rejection of God, breaking the covenant, and unfaithful mutiny against the Highest, God remains loving, forgiving, and faithful.

The Practice of Sacrifice

The practice of sacrifice was prevalent in many ancient religions, with offerings ranging from animals to grains and fruits and, in some extreme cases, even humans. The idea of sacrifice for propitiation was a common thread among many religions, as they believed that humans needed to offer something to appease their respective gods.

The God of the Bible had a unique approach to sacrifice, as it was considered a means of grace. When someone sinned, the consequence was physical death, but God, in his mercy, allowed animals to be offered as a temporary solution to spare the sinner's life. However, this practice ultimately pointed to the death and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Another unique aspect of God's character is that he provides his own propitiation. For example, in the story of Adam and Eve, after they sinned and tried to cover their nakedness with inadequate coverings, God provided animal skins to spare them from immediate death. Similarly, in the story of Abraham and Isaac, God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son but provided a substitute sacrifice at the last moment.

It was all about Jesus

These instances point to the ultimate sacrifice and propitiation for our sins, Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, the concept of blood takes on even greater significance, as it is through the shedding of Jesus' blood that believers obtain redemption and forgiveness of sins. The death of Jesus on the cross is seen as the ultimate sacrifice, through which believers are reconciled with God and made holy. This is expressed in passages such as Colossians 1:20, which says that through the blood of Christ, God reconciled all things to himself, whether on earth or in heaven.

In this sense, blood symbolizes Jesus's sacrifice for humanity and the power that his death and resurrection must redeem and transform lives. Through shedding his blood, believers can receive forgiveness of sins and be reconciled with God, paving the way for a new and transformed life in Christ.

Wrapping it Up

While some passages and teachings within the Bible may seem confusing or difficult to interpret, it's important to consider the historical and cultural context in which they were written. The concept of blood as a symbol of sacrifice and atonement plays a significant role in Christian theology and is ultimately tied to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. As we reflect on this sacrifice and its significance in our lives, let us strive to live in a way that honours God and the great love he has shown us through Jesus Christ. May we seek a deeper understanding of the Bible and its teachings and apply them to our daily lives in a way that brings glory to God and spreads his love to those around us.