I have spent the past two days watching the snow fall in Southeast Michigan. I think there is such beauty to a snowstorm. I know it causes all kinds of trouble, but to me, the white blanket of freshly fallen snow is beautiful. I always think of the verse in Isaiah that says, "Come let us reason together. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow" (Isa. 1:18).

God has dealt with our sins in Christ. It was His precious blood that was shed to take away the sins of the world. Because Jesus died, we are forgiven. We are cleansed from all unrighteousness. We are made white as wool.

The Bible gives a number of metaphors to talk about our sins.

God has washed them whiter than snow or wool (Isa. 1:18).
God has removed them as far as the east is from the west (Psa. 103:12).
God has cast our sins behind His back (Isa. 38:17).
God has blotted out our transgressions and remembers them no more (Isa. 43:25).
God has covered our sins and not imputed (charged to our account like a credit
card) our iniquity (Psa. 32:2).

Because our sins are dealt with in Christ, our hearts are purified. Our consciences are cleansed. Our minds are washed cleans. Our spirits are saved.

We can now come boldly into His presence. We can have assurance before God at the final judgment. We can experience the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. We can have peace with God and the peace of God.

The next time you see the snow fall and blanket the earth. Remember your forgiveness in Christ. It really is amazing.

Blessings, Pastor Tim