Whiter than Snow

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 1:18

Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins be like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

When we read the word “reason” we naturally think of a conversation between equals who debate the merits of some issue. It is more likely that Isaiah had in mind a courtroom scene. Going back to the beginning of chapter one, we see that concept. God calls all of creation as a witness to the charge against His people. The scene in verse 18 is not so much a call to a casual conversation about the problem, but a call to stand in the dock and hear the verdict and sentence from The Judge of all mankind.

What amazing grace it is then, to hear not condemnation but free pardon and forgiveness! It is later we will read in Isaiah the basis on which the LORD does this: Surely He has born our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:4-6)

Scarlet and red are the colors of blood guilt. In verse 15 Isaiah wrote, your hands are full of blood… That is to suggest, that their guilt was obvious and horrific like a man who murders and has the blood of his victim fresh upon his hands.

Yet, this stain of sin would be white as snow and wool. Wool and snow were chosen not only because they are white, but because they are white by nature. Their whiteness isn’t painted on. It is what they are. The promise from the LORD, then, is not merely to deal with the stain of sin superficially, but to remove it so that the very nature of the sinner is changed and transformed.

Those in Christ are truly a new creation in Him. White as wool and as pure as the driven snow through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Praise Be.