Some people may give blood because afterward, they give you free cookies and juice. Seriously, people give blood because it helps to save lives–in fact, one donation can save up to three lives. But the most profound gift of blood came from Jesus Christ. He volunteered His blood as a sacrifice for our sins. Before He died, Jesus explained the significance of the blood He would give on the cross. He said by shedding His blood, He was instituting the New Covenant. God had promised the New Covenant long before Jesus arrived on earth. God promised it because the Old Covenant, established at Mt. Sinai with the people of Israel, was inadequate. It was unsatisfactory only because people were unable to keep the terms of the Covenant. Under the New Covenant, God promises to forgive the sins of those who place their faith in His Son. We read these words in Matthew, chapter 26, “Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body. Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” That new covenant is now in effect. Under it, God forgives all who turn from sin and place their faith in His Son. Think of it. When we by faith accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, God wipes clean our sinful record.