Blood Case Makes Headlines in Japan

“KEEP abstaining from . . . blood.” This clear command is given in the Bible at Acts 15:29. It is part of a decision handed down by the governing body of the Christian congregation in the first century and is recorded in God’s inspired Word for instruction of Christians down to this time.

However, this divine requirement was nothing new to the first century. Abstinence from blood was commanded 3,500 years ago in the Law of Moses, as stated at Leviticus 17:10-16. Indeed, a similar command was given more than 4,300 years ago to Noah, the progenitor of all mankind on earth today. We read it at Genesis 9:4: “Only flesh with its soul​—its blood—​you must not eat.”

From these scriptures it is plain to those who live by the Bible that blood is precious in God’s sight. As the Creator of man and the Provider of this stream of life, he is the One who may properly direct how blood is to be used. If it is not to be eaten to sustain life, then logically it may not be used to sustain life through intravenous feeding or blood transfusion. Those who worship the God of the Bible are careful to observe his requirements. And from his point of view, it is just as important to abstain from blood as to abstain from idolatry and fornication, as the scripture at Acts 15:28 and 29 clearly shows.

So the loving, God-fearing parents obeyed the Bible command, “Abstain from . . . blood.” (Acts 15:20, 29; 21:25) The fact that abstinence from blood is stressed in three separate verses in the book of Acts, and that it is parceled in with avoiding idolatry and fornication, shows how seriously the Creator views the matter.

The issue with Jehovah’s Witnesses is entirely a religious one. True, it may also be argued that in many cases there is less risk in refusing a blood transfusion than there is in accepting one, for thus a person is protected against the serious illnesses that are conveyed through blood transfusion, such as AIDS and hepatitis. However, to the Christian, who follows God’s Word, this is a secondary matter. The main concern is to obey and remain in the favor of the Life-Giver, Jehovah God, who is able also to bestow everlasting life.​—Psalm 36:9; Romans 2:6, 7.

It may require some sacrifice on occasion for a loyal Christian to stand by the Bible injunction ‘to keep abstaining from blood.’ Yet, self-sacrifice is a virtue that is recognized in many societies, and self-sacrifice in obeying one’s Creator will certainly bring his smile of approval.​—Luke 9:23, 24.