“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.” (Lev 17:11)
The love of God is immeasurable. God loves us and wants a relationship with us, even after we’ve sinned. But God cannot ignore our sin. God is Holy. He is life: the very opposite of death. Romans 6:23 defines sin as death- “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life IN Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Genesis 3:21 reads, “Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.” Notice the action taken by our Creator. God killed an innocent animal to cover the guilt, humiliation, and nakedness of his creation. God later taught his people to make sacrifices to atone (cover-up) sin. For the purpose of reestablishing a relationship with God, one would need to kill an animal as an offering to God. The animals’ blood (life) covered the persons sins (death)-just as the animals covered Adam and Eve’s shame. It was symbolic of the removal of sin and reconciliation with God.
And while God’s people made animal sacrifices, we’re able to see God’s plan in motion. God would someday make a sacrifice that would surpass all other sacrifices. Rather than animals giving their “lifeblood” to make us right with the Almighty, HE would send his Son to shed blood and give HIS life as the final and perfect sacrifice. John 1:29 declares “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
All of the authorized sacrifices seen in the Old Testament were pointing to Jesus the Christ because those sacrifices could not permanently atone for sin, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” (Heb 10:4) God’s plan to send his Son was not to temporarily cover sin. Jesus’ death and resurrection has the power to bring forgiveness of sin. Forever. Jesus is the only truly innocent and perfect sacrifice. Only through his death and resurrection are we able to be made whole. The ultimate sacrifice was made by Jesus. What we do with that sacrifice is a choice. There is power in HIS blood.