Blood is required for atonement because it represents life and is the divinely appointed means by which sin is forgiven. The shedding of blood signifies the payment of the death penalty that sin demands. In both the Old and New Covenants, God makes it clear that only through the offering of blood can guilt be removed and fellowship with Him restored.
The foundational statement is in Leviticus:
“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.”
(Leviticus 17:11)
Sin brings death:
“For the wages of sin is death…”
(Romans 6:23)
Therefore, atonement requires the substitution of one life for another. Under the Law, animals were sacrificed to temporarily cover sins:
“Without shedding of blood there is no remission.”
(Hebrews 9:22)
But these sacrifices were insufficient to fully cleanse the conscience or deal with sin permanently:
“For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.”
(Hebrews 10:4)
This pointed to the need for a perfect and final sacrifice, Jesus Christ. His blood was not just symbolic, but effective in accomplishing what the Law could not:
“But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.”
(Hebrews 10:12)
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”
(Ephesians 1:7)
Christ’s blood cleanses fully and eternally:
“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
(1 John 1:7)
The requirement of blood is not arbitrary. It is rooted in the gravity of sin and the holiness of God. Atonement through blood upholds justice while offering mercy. It satisfies the penalty of the law and opens the way for reconciliation.
