A New Beginning
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
Would you like a challenge? Take a garment, any garment that is scarlet or crimson, and try to dye it white. If you have any luck, let me know. Yet, that which is impossible with man is possible with God (Matthew 19:26).
The Lord tells us through Isaiah the prophet:
“Come now, let us reason together, say the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Isaiah 1:18).
Sin is a stain so dark that we cannot get rid of it on our own. It’s as open and glaring as crimson. Yet, like those of old, some of us believe that if we follow the correct ritual in religion, all will be well. Not so! Remember certain Jews under the old Covenant who assembled for worship and were asked by God why they were trampling His courts? They brought their sacrifices and offerings, but God did not delight in them. They were worthless! And when they spread forth their hands to pray, God hid His eyes from them and would not listen (Isaiah 1:10-15).
Why? It was all empty ceremony, and the Almighty would have none of it.
A change had to be made. A change in character; “Cease to do evil,” God said (Isaiah 1:16). That’s the beginning place. But mere negation is not salvation. There must be life unto God as well as death unto sin. “Learn to do good” (Isaiah 1:17). Only then will God make our scarlet sins as white as snow, for this seemingly impossible act is conditioned upon us being “willing and obedient” (Isaiah 1:19).
In the gospel of Christ, remission of sins is a cardinal doctrine (Matthew 26:28; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38). Even the worst kinds of sin — idolatry, impurity, murder, lying, rebelliousness, etc., are forgiven and the stain is removed!
Truly, God is “plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 86:5). He is able to save to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25), and He will save you!
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).
Thanks be to God who offers a new beginning!
—John Gipson via the Montana Street bulletin