18-22 Even the first plan required a death to set it in motion. After Moses had read out all the terms of the plan of the law—God’s “will”—he took the blood of sacrificed animals and, in a solemn ritual, sprinkled the document and the people who were its beneficiaries. And then he attested its validity with the words, “This is the blood of the covenant commanded by God.” He did the same thing with the place of worship and its furniture. Moses said to the people, “This is the blood of the covenant God has established with you.” Practically everything in a will hinges on a death. That’s why blood, the evidence of death, is used so much in our tradition, especially regarding forgiveness of sins.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Compact Bible--soft leather-look, black
The Message Compact Bible--soft leather-look, black
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $9.99
Save: $20.00 (67%)
The Message Personal-Size Bible--soft leather-look, saddle tan
The Message Personal-Size Bible--soft leather-look, saddle tan
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $32.99
Save: $7.00 (18%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message // REMIX 2.0, Soft Imitation Leather, Storm Black
The Message // REMIX 2.0, Soft Imitation Leather, Storm Black
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $17.99
Save: $22.00 (55%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Student Bible (Softcover)
The Message Student Bible (Softcover)
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $19.49
Save: $5.50 (22%)
Message Slimline Bible--soft leather-look, brown/pink
Message Slimline Bible--soft leather-look, brown/pink
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $21.99
Save: $18.00 (45%)
3.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message // REMIX 2.0, Soft Imitation Leather, Color Spectrum
The Message // REMIX 2.0, Soft Imitation Leather, Color Spectrum
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $15.99
Save: $24.00 (60%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars