According to INFO PLEASE:

Human blood is grouped into four types: A, B, AB, and O. Each letter refers to a kind of antigen, or protein, on the surface of red blood cells. For example, the surface of red blood cells in Type A blood has antigens known as A-antigens.

Each blood type is also grouped by its Rhesus factor, or Rh factor. Rhesus refers to another type of antigen, or protein, on the surface of red blood cells. Blood is either Rh positive (Rh+) or Rh negative (Rh-). About 85% of Americans have Rh+ blood.

Blood types become very important when a blood transfusion is necessary. In a blood transfusion, a patient must receive a blood type that is compatible with his or her own blood type — that is, the donated blood must be accepted by the patient’s own blood.  If the blood types are not compatible, red blood cells will clump together, making clots that can block blood vessels and cause death.

Type O Negative blood is considered the “universal donor” because it can be donated to people of any blood type.

Because of our sins, each of us is in a fatal condition, “for the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). We need a type of “blood transfusion.”

God loves us so much that He gave His Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16).  The blood that Jesus shed in His death has paid the price for our redemption from sin: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).  Jesus is the only “universal donor,” for only the sinless Son of God could pay the price for our sins with His blood (1 John 2:2).

The Apostle Peter wrote to Christians: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Won’t YOU appropriate the cleansing blood of Christ through your trusting obedience?

-- David A. Sargent