Why is Christianity so bloody?

TL;DR:

Christianity is "bloody" because, according to the Bible, the shedding of blood is necessary for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross and the shedding of His blood provided the atonement for our sins, making a way for reconciliation with God.

what does the bible say?

God says that life is in the blood, and only blood can atone (or reconcile) for sin (Leviticus 17:11). During the first Passover in the time of Moses, the Lord instructed the people to sacrifice a lamb and put some of its blood on the sides and top of the door to their house (Exodus 12). This blood was to protect them from the angel who would put to death the firstborn son of those in Egypt as part of the final plague before the Israelites were freed. Blood served as the means of atonement for the sins of the Israelites from the time of the tabernacle's construction in the wilderness through the entire temple period until the time of Jesus. Christ then fulfilled the law by personally dying on the cross for our sins (Romans 5:8). His blood paid the price for human sin, providing the way for all people to know God personally (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

from the old testament

In Leviticus 17:11 God teaches, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life." God establishes blood as the means for atonement , symbolizing the life sacrificed for the sins of the people. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood would provide the perfect and final atonement for humanity’s sins.

from the new testament

Only Christ's blood is perfect to remove the flaws which have separated us from God and to make us acceptable to Him (Ephesians 2:13). Only Christ’s blood is capable of bridging the gap created by sin. Through His sacrifice, we are reconciled to God, no longer separated by our sin. We are made acceptable in His sight through Jesus’ perfect atoning death.
Hebrews 9:22 tells us that “ without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” This verse emphasizes the necessity of blood for forgiveness, highlighting the gravity of sin and the profound cost of redemption. Christ’s sacrifice alone brings the forgiveness we desperately need.
Jesus loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding His blood for us (Revelation 1:5). The blood of Jesus is how we are forgiven and also freed from the hold of sin.

implications for today

Christians no longer offer blood sacrifices since Jesus is the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 5:17). Instead, Christians accept the blood sacrifice of Jesus on the cross as sufficient to forgive sin (Matthew 26:27-28). We remember the sacrifice of His blood in the act of Communion, giving worship to the Lord for providing His One and only Son to offer us eternal life (John 3:16).

While many cringe at the idea of Christianity being a bloody religion, it is by the blood of Jesus that we have been brought near to Him. The apostle Paul instructed in Ephesians 2:13, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." Revelation adds that Jesus is the One who "loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood" (Revelation 1:5). Jesus’ sacrifice has forever bridged the gap between humanity and the Creator, demonstrating the depth of His love and grace. In light of this, we are called to live in awe and gratitude, continually honoring His sacrifice by living for Him and embracing the abundant life He offers. The blood of Christ not only cleanses us but also draws us into His eternal embrace, empowering us to walk in newness of life.

understand

Blood atones for sin, foreshadowing Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
Only Jesus' blood saves us and restores our relationship with God, dealing with the brokenness caused by sin.
Christ’s blood offers forgiveness and eternal life.

reflect

How does the sacrifice of Jesus' blood impact your understanding of the severity of sin and the cost of your redemption?
How do you respond to Christ's blood being the bridge that brings you restoration and relationship with God?
How does reflecting on the blood of Christ affect your daily walk with Him and your gratitude for His sacrifice?

engage

How can we explain to others the significance of blood sacrifices in the Bible and how they point to Christ's ultimate sacrifice?
What does it mean for us today that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins" (Hebrews 9:22)? How does this deepen our understanding of God’s character and grace?
How can we live in light of the reality that Christ’s blood has freed us from the hold of sin and brought us near to God?