The Revelation of Blood and Forgiveness Across the Dispensations
Redemption has always been tied to blood, but the way God revealed its meaning changed over time. The cross of Christ is the foundation of salvation in every age, yet the understanding of His blood and death unfolded progressively. To grasp this, we must trace the theme across the Old Testament, the earthly ministry of Christ in the Gospels, the preaching of Peter and the Twelve in early Acts, and finally the mystery revealed to Paul. Only then do we see how the blood of Christ takes on its full, once-for-all meaning in the dispensation of grace, and how Hebrews later confirms this truth for tribulation saints.
Old Testament: Blood as Covering, Not Full Payment
From the beginning, God tied forgiveness to blood. When Adam and Eve sinned, He clothed them with skins (Genesis 3:21), showing that blood had to be shed to cover sin. Abel’s offering of the flock was accepted because it was a blood sacrifice (Genesis 4:4). Under the law, God declared, “It is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11). Yet Hebrews 10:4 makes clear: “It is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”
Animal sacrifices provided temporary covering, but they could not remove sin. Old Testament saints were saved by faith in what God revealed at the time, expressed through obedience to His instructions. Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). They did not know the cross, but God looked forward to it. Their salvation rested on His provision, not their knowledge of Christ’s blood.
