QUESTION:
Good morning, Priest and others. I have one question, and it comes from Genesis 9:6:
“Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God, He made man.” Isn’t there room for forgiveness? What is the significance of blood? Thank you. Nicholas
RESPONSE:
The question of forgiveness in the Bible is profound. Historically, some believers criticised the Old Testament (OT) for appearing to advocate unforgiveness, often associating it with the concept of “an eye for an eye.” However, a closer study reveals that forgiveness is a major theme throughout the OT.
Unforgiveness in the OT
Reading the OT with the perspective of the New Testament (NT), it might seem like unforgiveness dominates. For example, when Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree, they were banished from the Garden without a second chance (Genesis 3). Similarly, when humanity sinned in Genesis 6, they were destroyed by the flood (Genesis 7). Sodom and Gomorrah suffered the same fate in Genesis 19.
However, a deeper reading of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy highlights that priesthood and its associated rituals were God’s provision for forgiveness. The sacrificial system allowed penitent sinners to receive mercy.
In the OT, many sins were forgiven through this sacrificial system. This included transgressions classified as crimes (offences against the public dealt with judicially, e.g., Numbers 35:30) and torts (offences against individuals, allowing them to seek restitution for damages incurred).
Retribution and forgiveness
Another key concept in the OT is retribution—rewarding obedience and punishing disobedience. While the NT emphasises forgiveness as giving undeserved grace, this concept does not negate accountability, which is evident in both testaments. True forgiveness must include accountability before, during, and after the act of forgiveness. Thus, the OT and NT complement each other on this matter.
The significance of blood
Genesis 9:1-7 underscores the significance of blood as equivalent to life. Taking another person’s life warrants the loss of the offender’s life, underscoring the sanctity of life.
The focus of Genesis 9:6 is not primarily the punishment of the killer but the value of blood, which represents life itself:
- “For the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11).
- “For the blood is the life” (Deuteronomy 12:23).
Blood’s significance in dealing with sin is introduced in Genesis 4, contrasting Abel’s acceptable sacrifice with Cain’s. It is reiterated in Genesis 9:1-7, where blood plays a central role in addressing sins that threaten life.
In the OT, blood guilt—whether resulting from crimes or torts—was resolved through blood. This could be either the blood of the guilty party or the blood of a sacrificial animal. The sacrificial system provided a way to preserve the offender’s life by substituting it with that of an animal.
Forgiveness through Christ’s blood
In the NT, we see the ultimate fulfilment of this principle. To save humanity from blood guilt, God Himself took on human form and shed His blood. As Hebrews 9:22 states:
“Almost all things are by the law purged with blood, and without shedding of blood, there is no remission.”
Animal sacrifices were insufficient for complete atonement:
- “It is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4).
- “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, He entered once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Hebrews 9:12).
The blood of Jesus Christ is the only means of ultimate forgiveness:
- “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
- “For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28).
Conclusion
Both the OT and NT provide a vast room for forgiveness. The OT’s sacrificial system pointed to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, which is the foundation of true forgiveness. The blood of Jesus ensures that forgiveness is not only possible but eternal.
Response by Isaiah White, A life coach and theologian contact: 0775822833, whitemwine@gmail.com
