Fundamental to our understanding of redemption is the concept and practice of sacrifice, culminating in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the redemption of humanity. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews states “without the shedding of blood there is no redemption” (Hebrews 9:22 NIV) and if this is true, then the need for a blood sacrifice is required by God. In our contemporary context this can be both unpopular and misunderstood as sacrifices are not a part of our experience. For those living in the culture of both the Old and New Testament eras the concept and experience of blood sacrifice was well known and the connections to much of the New Testament language of sacrifice would have been within their grasp. For those with whom we share the Gospel today the bigger context of the role of sacrifice may need to be clearly explained in order for one to grasp the essential teaching of the shed blood of Christ as it applies to salvation.
The Apostle Peter refers to the sacrifice of Christ as “the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (2 Peter 1:19). Throughout the ages Christian hymns, songs, poetry, and teaching have contained references to the precious blood, again which may seem very out of place in modern culture. As we work through the objectives in this workshop, the New Testament teaching of the precious blood of Christ shed for us must be kept in the center of our thinking as we gain a better appreciation for the faith exhibited by the Old Testament characters revealed in the Scriptures. The Hebrews Epistle clearly develops the continuity through the ages of the role of faith in applying the atonement offered by God.
Paul encourages us to also respond to God by offering ourselves as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) and thereby share in the ministry of Christ in bringing the message of hope and salvation. While we are all encouraged and in awe of those who have literally sacrificed their lives in martyrdom, we must realize that it just as important to be a living sacrifice, something all of us are called to on a daily basis. Are you being offered this day as a sacrifice to God, and if so how is that working out in your life and relationships? If the blood of Christ is indeed precious to us, then does our response and service reflect truly what we hold most dear?
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