Hi, friends. I want to discuss the significance of blood to Christianity and preview my next idea for the “Story Behind” series. “Story Behind” posts examine the authorship and history of hymns. (Photo Source)
When I started the “Story Behind” posts last Christmas, I chose three Christmas hymns that were widely familiar. The posts would likely get more clicks if I continue choosing the most iconic hymns. But I’m a bit of a weirdo who likes challenges.
So, I want to stick with themes in the future, and this year’s is blood. Easter themes might include blood, the cross, sacrifice, etc. Themes for Christmas might include poor birth for a King, spreading the good news, etc. The posts will be accompanied by scripture and a brief devotional.
There were many songs to choose from, but next week, I’m featuring two older hymns and one newer gospel song. Due to abundant options, themes will be repeated in future years.
Without further ado, let’s briefly delve into the significance of blood in Christianity.
In the Old Testament–when God ruled Israel (though they rebelled a lot), before Jesus was born–Jews sacrificed animals for God. [Note: they also offered riches like jewels.] Their sacrifices reflected repentance of their sins. God asked his chosen people to sacrifice their best, which makes sense if we assess what a true sacrifice is–not giving up something you barely care about but giving up something important. (Blood Covenant: Exodus 24: 5-8, Sacrifice Standard: Deuteronomy 15: 21)
The Passover is cherished by Christians but even more by Jews. In Exodus, Moses was sent by God to free the Jews from Egyptian slavery, and since the Pharaoh repeatedly refused to let them go, plagues came down on the Egyptians. In the final plague that forced the Pharaoh’s hand, an angel of death killed every firstborn son in the land. The sign instructed by God that saved the Jews from this plague was spreading the blood of a lamb over the door. Hence the name Passover–the angel passed over the Jews. (Exodus 12)
Christians believe that God sent Jesus as the final sacrifice. Jesus’ crucifixion in the New Testament brings the significance of blood in the OT full circle. The blood of lambs protected the Jews in the Passover; Jesus is “the Lamb” now. As the lamb symbolizes purity, so Jesus was the purest human who ever lived. God’s chosen people used to sacrifice their best animals to repent; with Jesus, God sent a perfect sacrifice and offered salvation for anyone with a willing heart. (Hebrews 10: 11-18)
Today, Christians practice the sacrament of Communion to remember the sacrifice. Before Jesus died, he shared a final meal with his disciples. He took the bread and said, “This is my body which is broken for you; as often as you eat this, do so in remembrance of me.” He took the wine and said, “This is my blood poured out for the new covenant for the forgiveness of sins.” (Luke 22: 14-20)
Hymns that reference blood are disappearing from some denominations. I imagine the rationale is, “We should focus on living in the Spirit, not dwell on the death of Jesus/ We should be worshiping God instead of fixating on symbols like blood/ The blood references verge on hell-fire-brimstone messages.” I think recalling the significance of blood throughout the Bible is important because people should understand the intricacies of their own beliefs, even when they don’t fit perfectly into our sanitary, pious, modern sense of religion.
Thanks for reading! Do you like Christian music that uses symbols like blood and the cross? Stay tuned for three posts the week leading up to Easter (April 1st this year).