Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18
. . . wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7b
There is a heavy blanket of snow falling throughout the Midwest today. The glistening white covers the ugly brown tones of barren trees and muddy patches of soil. All is pristine, fresh, and beautiful for the eye to behold.
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah wrote about the beauty of fresh snow when he told of a vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem. It had been given to him by the Lord and is a powerful description of the results of sins forgiven. Mankind's rebellion against the Holy One is red like scarlet, but the Good News is that through the shed blood of Jesus all sins can be forgiven.
1 John 1:9 assures us of that basic truth: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. It is only then that grace is bestowed covering our transgressions with Jesus' blood.
We then become His child and our crimson sins are washed away. Mercy and grace are shown. We are clothed in His white righteous robe before God (Revelation 6:11).
There's an old hymn that reflects these truths of holiness and purity. Take a few moments to read or sing its words. Let them help you praise God that you are whiter than snow because of God's forgiveness for your sins.
Written by: Lois Dahlstrom
Whiter Than Snow
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; I want Thee forever to live in my soul.
Break down every idol, cast out every foe - Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Chorus:
Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow -
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Lord Jesus, look down from Your throne in the skies And help me to make a complete sacrifice.
I give up myself and whatever I know - Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Chorus:
Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat; I wait, blessed Lord, at Thy feet.
By faith, for my cleansing I see Your blood flow - Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Chorus:
Lord Jesus, before You I patiently wait; Come now and within me a new heart create,
To those who have sought You, You never said, "No" - Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Chorus:
Text: James Nicholson
Music: William G. Fischer