What is a blood covenant?

A blood covenant is one of the most profound and sacred agreements in the Bible, representing an unbreakable bond between two parties sealed by the shedding of blood. It is central to God’s relationship with humanity, symbolizing commitment, sacrifice, and the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. This article explores the concept of a blood covenant, its significance in biblical history, and its fulfillment in the New Covenant through Jesus.

Definition of a Blood Covenant

A blood covenant is a solemn and binding agreement sealed with the shedding of blood. In ancient cultures, such covenants symbolized unity and shared life. The covenant established a relationship that was deeper than mere promises; it was viewed as irrevocable. The shedding of blood symbolized the seriousness of the agreement, as life itself was involved:

• Leviticus 17:11 – “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”

This verse highlights the life-giving and atoning power of blood, central to the understanding of covenants in Scripture.

Blood Covenants in the Old Testament

The Bible contains several instances of blood covenants, illustrating their importance in God’s dealings with humanity.

(a) The Covenant with Abraham

The blood covenant with Abraham was foundational to God’s redemptive plan. God promised Abraham descendants, land, and that through his seed, all nations of the earth would be blessed:

• Genesis 15:9-10 – “So He said to him, ‘Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.’ Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two.”

God passed through the pieces of the animals in the form of a smoking oven and a burning torch, symbolizing His commitment to the covenant (Genesis 15:17). This act demonstrated that the covenant depended solely on God’s faithfulness.

(b) The Covenant with Israel (Mosaic Covenant)

At Mount Sinai, God established a covenant with Israel through Moses, sealed with blood:

• Exodus 24:7-8 – “Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, ‘All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.’ And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, ‘This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you according to all these words.'”

This covenant emphasized obedience to God’s law (Exodus 20) and the sacrificial system, which foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

(c) The Covenant with David

God also made a covenant with David, promising that his throne would endure forever:

• 2 Samuel 7:12-13 – “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”

While not explicitly involving blood at the time, this covenant pointed to the Messiah, a descendant of David, who would establish an everlasting kingdom through His blood.

The Concept of Substitution in Blood Covenants

Blood covenants often involved substitutionary sacrifice. The shedding of animal blood symbolized the payment for sin and the restoration of a broken relationship between God and humanity.

• Leviticus 16:15 – “Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, bring its blood inside the veil, do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat.”

These sacrifices pointed to the ultimate substitutionary atonement in Jesus Christ.

The New Covenant Through Jesus Christ

The concept of a blood covenant reaches its culmination in the New Covenant established by Jesus. He is the ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament covenants, offering His own blood as the perfect sacrifice.

(a) Jesus Institutes the New Covenant

At the Last Supper, Jesus declared the establishment of the New Covenant:

• Matthew 26:28 – “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

Unlike the Old Covenant, which relied on repeated sacrifices, the New Covenant is based on the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ.

• Hebrews 9:12 – “Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”

(b) Jesus as the Mediator of the New Covenant

Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant, providing direct access to God through His blood:

• Hebrews 9:15 – “And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”

Through His sacrifice, Jesus fulfilled the demands of justice and extended grace to humanity.

Significance of the Blood Covenant for Believers

The blood covenant established by Jesus has profound implications for Christians:

(a) Forgiveness of Sins

Through the blood of Jesus, believers receive forgiveness and cleansing from sin:

• 1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

(b) Reconciliation with God

The blood covenant restores the relationship between God and humanity:

• Ephesians 2:13 – “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

(c) Victory Over Sin and Death

The blood of Jesus secures victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness:

• Revelation 12:11 – “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

(d) Eternal Life

The blood covenant guarantees eternal life for those who believe:

• John 6:54 – “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

Covenant Responsibilities for Believers

While the New Covenant is based on grace, it also calls for a response of faith and obedience:

(a) Faith in Christ

Believers are called to trust in the finished work of Christ:

• Romans 10:9 – “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

(b) Living a Holy Life

The blood covenant calls believers to live in holiness and obedience:

• Hebrews 10:29 – “Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?”

(c) Proclaiming the Covenant

Believers are commissioned to proclaim the good news of the covenant to the world:

• Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”

Conclusion: The Power of the Blood Covenant

The blood covenant is the foundation of God’s relationship with humanity, symbolizing His unwavering love, mercy, and justice. From the Old Testament covenants with Abraham, Moses, and David to the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, the shedding of blood signifies life, sacrifice, and redemption.

For believers, the blood covenant offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and the promise of eternal life. It calls for a response of faith, obedience, and proclamation of the gospel. As we reflect on the blood covenant, we are reminded of the depth of God’s love and the power of Christ’s sacrifice:

• Romans 5:8-9 – “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”

Through the blood of Jesus, we have access to the Father, victory over sin, and the assurance of eternal life. This covenant is a testament to God’s unchanging faithfulness and the hope of glory for all who believe.