Scarlet Sins -- White as Snow

Scarlet Sins -- White as Snow

Isa. 1:18

In the meaning of the name Isaiah, "the eternal God is salvation," is found the theme of his prophecy. There are stern pronouncements of judgment. But George L. Robinson wrote, "Isaiah never promised a woe without adding a corresponding promise."

The earlier verses of this chapter lodge solemn indictment against Israel. Isaiah declared God's message, "I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.... they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger... Why should ye be stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more... Except... [for] a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom" (2, 4-5, 9).

Having described their moral degeneracy, Isaiah points up the futility of their formal religious ceremonies and sacrifices. God, according to the prophet, was saying, "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me?... when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear" (11, 15). The temple-treading priests shared the rebuke of the Holy One of Israel. He calls upon all to put away the evil of their doings and learn to do well.

To all God gives a blessed invitation. "Come now, and let us reason together." Then follows the great promise of salvation. "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

Thank God for this foregleam of the gospel. It is the message for this day.