In the law of Moses, many cleansing rituals required the death of a sacrificial animal. Blood was used in these cleansing rituals (see Exodus 29:12; 30:10; Leviticus 4:6, 17; 16:14–19; Numbers 19:4) and for making atonement (see Leviticus 16). The shedding of Christ’s blood created the new covenant, offering lasting purification and complete forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 8:12; 10:15–18; Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7).