Whatever your view of the Levitical food laws, this command has an unusually long reach: it is given before Sinai and repeated after Pentecost.
Three places, one command
Biblical command- Genesis 9:4 — to Noah, for all mankind after the flood.
- Leviticus 17:10-14 — to Israel, with the reason: the life is in the blood, and blood makes atonement.
- Acts 15:29 — to Gentile believers, on a very short list.
Why it matters theologically
Biblical principle- Blood is reserved because it signifies life and atonement.
- The command teaches reverence for life, not a health rule.
What Scripture says
- Do not eat blood. The reason given is the sanctity of life and atonement.
What Scripture does NOT say
- Nothing about blood transfusion — that question is not addressed in Scripture.
- No claim that blood is unhealthy.
Questions to reflect on
- What does it mean that God tied blood to life and atonement?
Reflection journal
What does it mean that God tied blood to life and atonement?
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