Light as life vs. Blood as life Biblical Meaning

Light as life vs. Blood as life in the Bible

Did you know?

The word "light" appears over 200 times in the NIV (New International Version) Bible.

The word "blood" appears over 400 times in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible

Both "light" and "blood" are significant symbols of life in the Bible, carrying both literal and figurative meaning. 

Blood as life

• Literal and Physical Life: The most direct association between blood and life is found in passages like Leviticus 17:11-14 and Deuteronomy 12:23, where it's stated that "the life of the flesh is in the blood". This is a reflection of the biological reality that blood is essential for physical existence, carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. When you visit the doctor and they can't determine what's wrong with you, they ask for blood to be drawn to understand your condition, because everything can be found in the blood.

• Atonement and Sacrifice: The Old Testament sacrificial system heavily emphasized blood as the means of atonement for sin. Animal sacrifices were commonly required to atone for sins or serve as a form of worship. The shedding of blood symbolized the loss of life, and the blood of the sacrifice was presented to God as a substitute for the life of the sinner. This concept culminates in the sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood is seen as the ultimate atonement for sins, offering eternal life to those who believe in him.

• Covenant and Relationship: Blood was also used in ancient covenants, signifying a solemn and binding agreement. In the New Testament, Jesus established a new covenant with his followers through his blood, signifying a renewed relationship with God and the promise of eternal life.

  Ephesians 1:7

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”

Light as life

• Divine Presence and God's Nature: God is often described as light, as seen in 1 John 1:5, which states, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all". Light, in this context, signifies God's holiness, purity, and the absence of sin.

• Spiritual and Moral Illumination: Light is a metaphor for spiritual truth, knowledge, and moral purity. Jesus as the 'light' brings to this dark world true knowledge, moral purity, and the light that shows the very presence of God. It guides believers in living a righteous life and avoiding the darkness of sin and ignorance.

• Salvation and Eternal Life: Following Jesus, the "light of the world", is presented as the path to salvation and eternal life, free from the darkness of sin and death. Just as physical life is in the blood of animals, eternal life is in the blood of Jesus Christ.

  
  

Interrelationship

It's important to recognize that these two powerful symbols are not mutually exclusive but rather interconnected in the biblical narrative. The shedding of Jesus' blood, representing the sacrifice for sin, enables believers to "walk in the light" and experience the life-giving presence and truth of God. In essence, the blood cleanses and redeems, allowing individuals to then live and flourish in the light of God's presence and truth.

In the Bible, both light and blood are profoundly connected to the concept of life, yet they represent different facets of it

1. Light as life

• Source of life and order: In Genesis, God first created light. This brought order and established the cycle of day and night, which is essential for life.

• Divine presence and knowledge: Light often represents God's presence, glory, and holiness. This is seen when Moses' face shone after encountering God or the pillar of fire leading the Israelites. Light is also a symbol of knowledge, contrasting with darkness, which can represent spiritual separation from God and ignorance.

• Spiritual life: In the New Testament, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life". Here, light represents spiritual life, guidance, and salvation found in Christ. 

  
  

2. Blood as life

• Physical life: Leviticus 17:11 and 17:14 state that "the life of the flesh is in the blood". This highlights that blood is vital for sustaining physical life.

• Atonement and covenant: In the Old Testament, blood sacrifices were commanded by God as a means of atonement for sin. These sacrifices demonstrated that sin results in death and requires the shedding of blood to cover it. These sacrifices foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who established a new covenant through his shed blood for the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.

• Redemption and new life: Believers are redeemed, reconciled to God, and experience spiritual cleansing and new life through the power of Jesus' shed blood. This emphasizes the importance of blood not just for physical life, but also for spiritual life and redemption. 

  
  

  Hebrews 9:12

“He entered once for all into the holy place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”

1 Peter 1:18-19

“You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.”

In essence, while light represents the divine presence, guidance, and spiritual life that comes from God, blood signifies the essence of physical life, and more importantly, the means of atonement and redemption necessary for reconciliation and new life in Christ.