Blood-Flesh
Typological treatment in the corpus
Nee analyzes two functions of the cross-work: blood cleanses and atones (death-function), flesh nourishes and gives contact (nourishment-function). Type in OT sacrificial structure; antitype in Christâs complete work.
Biblical Grounding
| Reference | Context |
|---|---|
| Lev. 17:11 | âThe life of the flesh is in the blood⊠to make atonement for your soulsâ |
| Rom. 3:25 | âGod presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his bloodâ |
| John 6:51 | âI am the living bread that came down from heaven⊠the bread is my fleshâ |
| 1 Cor. 11:24-25 | âThis is my body⊠this is my blood of the new covenantâ |
| Heb. 9:22 | âWithout the shedding of blood there is no forgivenessâ |
Typological Interpretation by Author
Watchman Nee
Nee-Lee distinguish two functions of the cross-work in body-analogy. Though secondary to âlife,â they recognize that death and resurrection are both essential:
Through the blood that Jesus the Lord shed on the cross, redemption was accomplished.1
Cross (blood-shedding) solves sin-guilt. In body-analogy they distinguish function: blood cleanses and nourishes simultaneously. Thus:
The function of death kills and cleanses⊠while the nourishment of divine life is supplied.2
Practically, this means Christâs work has two aspects: blood-working (forensic: atonement, guilt-removal, cleansing) and flesh-working (vital: contact, nourishment, participation). Both are necessary.
Connection with Christ through faith is therefore complete: the blood purifies (from guilt), the flesh nourishes (with life). This follows the OT type of offering: blood against the altar (cleansing), flesh eaten (nourishment).
Related Types
- Death-Resurrection: death-resurrection (death as blood-cleansing; resurrection as flesh-nourishment)
- Union with God: union-with-god (contact/flesh-aspect fulfilled)
- ZoĂ«-Life: zoe-life (nourishment through Godâs life)