"As White As Snow"

Isaiah 1:18) "Come now and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

Yesterday morning during our song service, God's people at PHBC were brought face to face with the fact, at one time they were alienated from God. Our song leader led the congregation in the hymn, "Jesus Paid It All." What a sober reminder for God's children to face the fact it was Jesus who "paid it all." As we sang this great hymn of the faith a chill ran all over my body...maybe a reaffirmation to me that I did nothing for my salvation. A reminder none of my goodness, none of my preaching, none of my studying, or praying has made me right with God. It was Jesus who paid the price for my redemption.
This afternoon as I am writing this post I look out my office window and see the fresh snow we received last night. The snow is a reminder, "Christ washed my sins as white as snow." Seeing the fresh, clean, and pure snow lying on the ground is a reminder from God Himself to His people what He has done with the sins of His people through His Son Jesus Christ. Christ was pure, clean, and without sin for He was God in the flesh (John 1:14).

"Jesus paid it all,
all to him I owe;
sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow."

Of all the people in the world why would God chose me to set His affections on and save me, forgive me, and cleanse my sins as white as snow? I read this great hymn of our faith and immediately I am overwhelmed with humility. But one thing it causes me to see now more than ever is, "therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)." I AM FORGIVEN, I AM FORGIVEN, I AM FORGIVEN...made free, no longer a slave to sin or Satan!
So, may we as God's people be reminded of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness when we enjoy the snow during this winter season. It is also a great opener in sharing the gospel with others when they want to talk to you about the snow. You can say, "The snow it is nice... it is a reminder to me what Jesus has done for me...how about you." "Has your sins been washed as white as snow?"