Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, said the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow… In this passage — I. THERE IS ASSUMED THE EXISTENCE OF ENORMOUS GUILT. The aggravations of sin are to be found in their highest form where there are instituted powerful means to deter from its perpetration, and where yet it is committed in spite of restraints eminently calculated to direct the soul to goodness. We turn at once to the country in which we dwell, to find the sins which are as the "scarlet" or the "crimson" dye. Ours is a country, signally favoured with means the best adapted to lead from transgression, and excite to obedience. II. THERE IS PROMISED THE BESTOWMENT OF PARDONING MERCY. 1. It might indeed have been imagined, that, after such repeated accusations of iniquity, there would succeed only a threatening of doom. Is God not just? Is He not jealous of His glory? 2. Such a promise as this is made in perfect consistency with the immutable justice and holiness of the Divine nature. 3. It will be proper to observe the manner in which the promised blessing is bestowed. God communicates forgiveness through the atoning sacrifice of His Son. 4. In order to secure the personal application of the sacrifice of Christ, there must be, in yourselves, the production of certain emotions and principles, by the operation of the Spirit of God. 5. Let us further observe, the sufficiency by which this promised blessing of forgiveness is characterised. III. THERE IS DESIRED THE EXERCISE OF WISE CONSIDERATION. (James Parsons.) Parallel Verses KJV: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. |
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