Scripture

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord.

“Though your sins are as scarlet, I will make them white as snow.

Though they are as red as crimson, I will make them like wool.”

Observation

Isaiah promises judgement on the people of Israel. He calls them “Sodom” and “Gomorrah.” They revel in their sin and then bring sacrifices, but the Lord will reject their offerings because they are just religious ceremonies.

The Lord hates their prayers and offerings because of their sins. He wants true repentance and will wash their sins clean.

Application

The Lord is always seeking reconciliation with us. He wants us to turn away from our sins and receive His blessing.

This is not about outward religious acts but about the heart. Being baptised, going to church, or saying the Sinner’s Prayer will not make a person right with God.

Turning away from our sin and towards Jesus will activate God’s cleansing flow of forgiveness into our spirit.

It has to be sincere, from the heart. Going through a ritual of any sort will not impress God. He looks at the heart not the outward appearance.

So what must I do to be saved?

1. Recognise sin. Confess not just wrong doing, but also the orientation towards sin and self-centredness.

2. Repent. Repentance means more than saying “sorry” to God. It means to recognise that something I thought was acceptable is actually repellent.

3. Ask God for forgiveness.

4. Receive the power of the Holy Spirit to live God’s way not my own way.

Having made the decision to follow Jesus I must obey Him and let Him rule every part of my life.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I receive you as my Lord. I am sorry for all that I do that displeases you. Please help me to live for you every day of my life. Amen.