Shalom Friends,
The next example is with Adam’’s two sons; Able and Cain. According to Scripture, we know that both brothers brought an offering before the Lord. However, one was accepted the other was rejected. Able brought the "firstling of the flock" (Genesis 4:4) and Cain brought fruit. Again, we see what was more important to God, though they were both were offerings. God rejected the fruit and accepted the Blood as a proper sacrifice. Our third example, is found in Genesis 9:11, where God had made a covenant with Noah by setting a rainbow as a sign between Him and mankind indicating that He (God) would never destroy the earth with a flood. Notice that Noah had not brought a sacrifice to God. This fact carries an important implication in this subject. But before I tell you, let us look at our next example, Abram. I believe the doctrine of the Blood is one of the most important topics in the Bible. While studying this subject, I have discovered several insights of which I wish to share with you. The main purpose of the blood in the Bible is the remission and forgiveness of sin. Beginning with Adam and Eve, we are introduced to the importance of the blood. In the book of Genesis, we have the first example of how the blood was shed in response to disobedience to God. Fallen into sin, Adam and Eve recognized their nakedness, therefore God, in order for them not to live in shame, covered them with the skin of an animal. Thus the first animal was killed to cover sin and its blood was shed. As a result, God had pronounced judgement upon man and sent them away from
Paradise
Genesis 15:5 reads, He took him outside and said, "Look up at theheavens and count the stars if indeed you can count them."Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."
For the first time in history, God had made a personal covenant with Himself and man. In this instance, God had required a sacrifice for the first time as well. As we study this thoroughly, we will see that only through the Blood can we get personal with God. Moreover, before God had made this covenant with Abram, the Bible states that he believed God and his faith was credited to him as righteousness. Thus we have a pattern. First comes faith then the Blood. Hebrews 11:6 states that without faith, it is impossible to please God.
In retrospect, we see that God did not require a sacrifice from Adam and Noah because these covenants did not have personal implications. The covenant with Abram was different because it was directed to Abram personally and was to be fulfilled through him as well. Therefore, a personal covenant is a promise fulfilled through the recipient of the covenant. Because God can not work through a sinner, the Blood cleanses the person and allows God to fulfill His covenant through him. Up to this point in Genesis, we realize how God step by step, introduces the importance of the Blood for all men. God’s work of redemption began slowly with Abram.
To be continued... |
