The concept of blood sacrifice appears in Genesis because it is central to God’s plan for dealing with sin. After Adam and Eve sinned, they attempted to cover themselves with fig leaves, but their effort was insufficient. Genesis 3:21 records God’s response:
“Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.”
This act required the death of an animal, introducing the principle that sin brings death and that atonement requires the shedding of blood. This points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
The importance of blood sacrifice is seen again in the account of Cain and Abel. Genesis 4:4 says:
“Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering.”
Abel’s offering involved the shedding of blood, which symbolized atonement. In contrast, Cain offered the fruit of the ground, which did not acknowledge the seriousness of sin or God’s requirement for a blood sacrifice. Hebrews 9:22 later confirms this principle:
“Without shedding of blood there is no remission.”
By introducing sacrifice so early, Genesis teaches that reconciliation with God cannot be achieved through human effort but only through the provision of a substitute. This foreshadows the work of Christ, whose blood was shed once for all to provide complete forgiveness and eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12).
