Is it a sin to have a blood transfusion?
While some belief systems declare it a sin to receive a blood transfusion, there is no way to conclude this from the Bible. Some suggest that since the Bible forbids us to eat blood (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 3:17), then it must also be a sin to transfuse it into our bodies. But let’s look at this conclusion carefully.
Yes, the Bible does forbid eating or consuming blood of any kind, because what we ingest by way of mouth is digested and distributed as nutrition. The Bible declares that “the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11), and therefore, the diseases of the animal could be transferred to our bodies by way of consumption.
However, blood transfusions are done to save and sustain life—not to relieve hunger or satisfy our appetite. Blood transfusions are only done with human blood—and they’re not done orally, but intravenously. Every unit of blood is checked for infectious diseases, and the blood type must match in order for its recipient to gain its lifesaving and life-sustaining benefits. Obviously, blood transfusions fall into a different category than the consumption of blood. While eating of blood is for personal pleasure, blood transfusions are for saving lives. And does not the Bible encourage us to save lives?
“Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.” Proverbs 24:11
Even Jesus put it this way:
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13
Blood transfusions are often necessary in emergency situations when someone is fighting for their life and needs a certain blood type. In such cases, family members, friends, and even strangers might be called on to make a blood donation to help save that person’s life. We have a biblical obligation to help someone in need, and we should want to do it out of love. Therefore, blood transfusions are not a violation of the will of God, but rather a fulfillment of the commission Christ gave us to love one another as God loves us (1 John 4:7, 11).
The Son of God showed His love by shedding His blood for us. Therefore, we show that same love when we have the opportunity to help others (1 John 4:20–21).