The concept of blood as a crucial element in covenants is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, serving as a symbol of life, purification, and atonement. Throughout Scripture, blood is portrayed as an essential component in the establishment and maintenance of covenants between God and humanity.

Old Testament Foundations

The necessity of blood in covenants is first introduced in the Old Testament, where it is integral to the sacrificial system. In Genesis 15, God establishes a covenant with Abram, instructing him to bring specific animals, which are then cut in half. This act signifies the seriousness of the covenant, with the blood of the animals symbolizing the binding nature of the agreement. The passage states, "So the LORD made a covenant with Abram that day" (Genesis 15:18).

The Mosaic Covenant further emphasizes the role of blood. In Exodus 24:8, Moses takes the blood of sacrificed animals and sprinkles it on the people, declaring, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words" . This act of sprinkling blood signifies the people's consecration and their commitment to the covenantal laws given by God.

Leviticus 17:11 underscores the theological significance of blood: "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life" . Here, blood is not only a symbol of life but also a means of atonement, cleansing, and reconciliation with God.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament presents the ultimate fulfillment of the necessity of blood in covenants through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Last Supper, as recorded in the Gospels, marks the institution of the New Covenant. Jesus, taking the cup, declares, "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:28). This statement highlights the sacrificial nature of Christ's impending death and its redemptive purpose.

The Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on the superiority of Christ's sacrifice over the Old Testament sacrificial system. Hebrews 9:22 states, "According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" . This verse affirms the necessity of blood for purification and forgiveness, pointing to Christ's once-for-all sacrifice as the ultimate fulfillment of this requirement.

Hebrews 9:14 further emphasizes the efficacy of Christ's blood: "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to serve the living God?" . The blood of Christ not only atones for sin but also purifies the believer's conscience, enabling a life of service to God.

Theological Implications

The necessity of blood in covenants reveals profound theological truths about the nature of sin, atonement, and redemption. Blood, as a symbol of life, underscores the gravity of sin, which incurs the penalty of death. The shedding of blood in sacrificial rites points to the need for a substitute to bear this penalty on behalf of the sinner.

In the New Covenant, the blood of Christ fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrifices, providing a perfect and eternal atonement. This fulfillment is central to the Christian understanding of salvation, emphasizing that reconciliation with God is achieved not through human effort but through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

The necessity of blood in covenants, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness, justice, and mercy, as well as the profound cost of redemption.