BLOOD
Because blood is the life stream of a person (Lev. 17:11), it becomes the biblical representation of life. Because of sin, man has forfeited the right to live (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:1). To satisfy the justice of God, a blood-offering was required (Heb. 9:22). The blood of animals, however, could not accomplish the ultimate objective, though it was used in the preparatory phase of Jehovah's redemptive plan (Heb. 10:4).
Jesus, as the lamb of God (Jn. 1:29), took upon himself human nature (flesh and blood), that he might be able to die for sin (Heb. 2:9, 14; 9:14; 10:19). Accordingly, redemption is obtainable for those who are in him through the shedding of his blood (Eph. 1:7). This blessing is achieved when the penitent believer is immersed into Christ (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27; cf. Heb. 9:14; Eph. 5:26; 1 Pet. 3:21).
When the Christian observes the weekly Lord's-day communion, he primarily focuses on Christ's death and the shedding of his blood (Mt. 26:26-29).
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