Purified With Blood

“And so he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the eternal inheritance he has promised, since he died to set them free from the violations committed under the first covenant. For where there is a will, the death of the one who made it must be proven. For a will takes effect only at death, since it carries no force while the one who made it is alive. So even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood. For when Moses had spoken every command to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats with water and scarlet wool and hyssop and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that God has commanded you to keep.” And both the tabernacle and all the utensils of worship he likewise sprinkled with blood. Indeed according to the law almost everything was purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. So it was necessary for the sketches of the things in heaven to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves required better sacrifices than these.” Hebrews 9:15-23 NET

Upon the reading of a will after a trustor's death, a trustee is appointed to assume a vital role in fulfilling the wishes of the deceased. The trustee is responsible for ensuring that the trustor’s intentions are honored among the living, which encompasses the fair distribution of real estate, personal belongings, and titles to the designated beneficiaries. This process follows a legally binding agreement that was established prior to the trustor's passing, underscoring the importance of the trustee's duties in upholding the trustor’s legacy.

Jesus stands as the trusted mediator of the New Covenant, holding a profoundly pivotal role in our faith. How can the one who established this covenant also be its administrator? The answer is found in His sacrificial death, which not only activated the New Covenant but also powerfully affirmed our beliefs. His resurrection does not undermine this covenant; rather, it magnificently reinforces it. Through His death, Jesus freed humanity from the chains of sin that were wrought under the Old Covenant, offering us a transformative new beginning. His life brings forth the greater promises that we are all invited to embrace.

We must understand that a will (or testament) requires a death to become valid; it cannot take effect while the one who created it is still alive. This divine order guarantees that the promises of the New Covenant are binding and transformative for everyone who believes. Consequently, the New Testament is realized when we place our faith not only in the death of Jesus but also in His resurrection, which acts as the life force that empowers the incredible promises extended to us.

The establishment of the New Testament was powerfully forged through the sacrificial blood of Jesus, who endured immense suffering and ultimately was crucified. This represents a striking contrast to the Old Testament, which was sealed with the blood of calves and goats. To be candid, the Old Testament was a bloody and gruesome affair, with blood splattered everywhere, even on the people, serving as a temporary remedy for their sins. It was a vivid type and shadow of what was to come; in that era, the people were literally "under the blood," a requirement set forth by God from the very beginning. In contrast, the New Covenant transforms this imagery: we are now metaphorically "under the blood," as Jesus became our ultimate blood sacrifice, providing us with the permanent remission of our sins. The profound differences between the Old and New Testaments are not just noteworthy; they are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The writer of Hebrews powerfully asserts that the heavenly realities require far superior sacrifices than mere blood from calves and goats. Instead, a sacrifice of unparalleled magnitude was necessary, which is why God chose to embody the ultimate sacrifice in the form of His Son. God Himself took on human nature to endure a sinner's death, illustrating the depth of His commitment. The requirements for spiritual matters are profoundly intricate; they demand a spiritual being to pay the ultimate price for the fulfillment of spiritual promises. It is simply insufficient for mortal offerings to serve as a substitute; there must be true equity in this exchange—an equal value. This profound principle of equity in God's plan underscores the inherent fairness and justice that characterize His divine economy.

The core message of both the Old and New Testaments revolves around the powerful principle of exchange – offering something in return for something else. While many might not perceive this through a financial lens, this is fundamentally how God’s economy functions; an exchange is essential. God recognized that the most profound gift He could provide in exchange for our salvation and redemption is Himself. In return, we are granted His free gift, serving as complete atonement for our sins, and we are called to surrender our lives to Christ as a living sacrifice.

In Romans 12:1-2 (NET), Paul urgently says: “Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—alive, holy, and pleasing to God—which is your reasonable service.  Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.”  This call to action invites us to embrace a life of sacrifice (exchange) which brings transformation and purpose, aligning ourselves with God’s divine intention for our lives.

Paul saw his life through the profound lens of Christ's unwavering commitment to him. In response, he wholeheartedly dedicated his life to serving Christ, boldly identifying himself as a slave of Christ Jesus. He declared, “From Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God. This gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning his Son who was a descendant of David with reference to the flesh, who was appointed the Son-of-God-in-power according to the Holy Spirit by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received grace and our apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles on behalf of his name.” (Romans 1:1-5 NET) in a similar fashion, not as a blood sacrifice, but as a living sacrifice to declare the mercies of God to others. We have all been given the same gift, and it calls to us the same way.

I am deeply grateful for the profound exchange of Christ’s body for mine. God reveals the ultimate expression of love through His unparalleled sacrifice—an act I can never repay. This inspires me to offer myself in a similar way—not as a blood sacrifice, but as a living testament to share God's mercies with others. Just as Jesus is alive and speaks from the fullness of life, we have all received this invaluable gift that binds us together and compels each of us to respond powerfully. Each one of us is cherished and valued in His eyes, calling us to embrace and share this incredible truth.

Stephen Barnett