Diffrences in use of blood between old and new testament

What a fascinating topic!

In the Old Testament (OT), blood played a crucial role in various aspects of Jewish life, including worship, sacrifice, and atonement. Here are some key differences in the use of blood between the Old and New Testaments:

Old Testament:

  1. Sacrificial system: Blood was used to atone for sin and purify the people of Israel. The high priest would offer animal sacrifices, including bulls, goats, and lambs, and sprinkle their blood on the altar to make atonement for the people's sins (Leviticus 1-7).
  2. Covenant ratification: Blood was used to ratify the covenant between God and Israel. When Moses built the altar and offered sacrifices, he took some of the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying, "Behold, the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you" (Exodus 24:8).
  3. Purification: Blood was used to purify people and objects from ritual impurity. For example, a person who had come into contact with a dead body would need to be purified by sprinkling the blood of a clean animal on them (Numbers 19:2-22).
  4. Divine presence: Blood was associated with the divine presence. The blood of the sacrifices was seen as a way to connect with God's presence, and the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies only after sprinkling the blood of the sacrifice on the altar (Leviticus 16:14-15).

New Testament:

  1. Atonement through Jesus: In the New Testament, Jesus' blood is seen as the ultimate atonement for sin. His sacrifice on the cross is considered the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system, and his blood is seen as the means by which sin is forgiven (Hebrews 9:12-14, 1 John 1:7).
  2. No more sacrifices: With the coming of Jesus, the need for animal sacrifices ceased. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the means of salvation, rather than relying on animal sacrifices (Hebrews 10:1-14).
  3. Spiritual purification: While the Old Testament emphasized physical purification through blood, the New Testament emphasizes spiritual purification through the blood of Jesus. Believers are seen as being purified by the blood of Christ, which is applied to their hearts through faith (1 Peter 1:2, Revelation 1:5).
  4. Divine presence: In the New Testament, the blood of Jesus is seen as the means by which believers can approach God's presence. Jesus' blood is considered the "blood of the covenant" that ratifies the new covenant between God and humanity (Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24).

In summary, while blood played a significant role in the Old Testament as a means of atonement, purification, and covenant ratification, the New Testament emphasizes the blood of Jesus as the ultimate atonement for sin and the means by which believers can approach God's presence.