In the ancient world it was understood that a person’s life was in their blood. For that reason, blood in the Bible plays a significant role in issues of life, death, atonement, and sacrifice. Jesus shocked his followers by asking them to “drink” his blood and defied all expectations by allowing his own blood to be poured out on the cross. Although we may find the image unsettling, understanding how the Bible utilizes blood is vital for grasping what was accomplished through the death and resurrection of Christ.
