Topical Bible: Sin: Like Scarlet and Crimson

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The imagery of sin being "like scarlet" and "red as crimson" is a vivid metaphor found in the Bible, specifically in the book of Isaiah. This metaphor is used to convey the depth and severity of sin, as well as the transformative power of God's forgiveness.

Biblical Reference:

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

Context and Interpretation:

In the context of Isaiah 1, the prophet Isaiah is addressing the nation of Judah, calling them to repentance. The people of Judah had fallen into a pattern of rebellion and idolatry, turning away from God's commandments. Their sins are described as being "like scarlet" and "red as crimson," colors that symbolize deep, indelible stains. Scarlet and crimson were dyes in the ancient world that were difficult to remove, representing the seemingly permanent nature of sin.

The use of color in this passage is significant. Scarlet and crimson are not only visually striking but also carry connotations of blood and guilt. The imagery suggests that sin is not a superficial blemish but a profound moral and spiritual corruption that permeates the soul.

Theological Significance:

The promise of transformation from scarlet to white as snow, and from crimson to wool, highlights the redemptive power of God. This transformation is not something that can be achieved through human effort or ritualistic practices but is a divine act of grace. The passage underscores the belief that no sin is too great for God's forgiveness. Through repentance and faith, individuals can be cleansed and restored to a state of purity.

This theme of cleansing and forgiveness is echoed throughout the Bible. In the New Testament, the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate means by which sins are washed away. Hebrews 9:14 states, "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!"

Practical Application:

For believers, the metaphor of sin as scarlet and crimson serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for genuine repentance. It calls individuals to examine their lives, acknowledge their transgressions, and seek God's mercy. The assurance of forgiveness and cleansing offers hope and encouragement, motivating believers to live in obedience and righteousness.

The passage also serves as a powerful evangelistic message, inviting those who are burdened by guilt and shame to experience the liberating grace of God. It emphasizes that no matter how deep the stain of sin, God's love and forgiveness are available to all who turn to Him in faith.

In summary, the imagery of sin as scarlet and crimson in Isaiah 1:18 is a profound depiction of the human condition and the transformative power of divine grace. It calls for repentance, offers the promise of forgiveness, and points to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

August the Eighth the Scarlet Sin
... AUGUST The Eighth THE SCARLET SIN. ISAIAH i.10-20. How can we deal with glaring
sin, with sin that is "scarlet," that is "red like crimson"? ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/august the eighth the scarlet.htm

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
... or wool, though it were like scarlet or crimson. The law condemned, and the conscience
subscribed itself sinful, and concluded itself lost in sin; but faith in ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xii now the end.htm

Sin.
... sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson,
they shall be as wool." Isa.1:18. Here we see the defiling nature of sin. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter iii sin.htm

Self-Scrutiny in God's Presence.
... the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall ... as snow; though they be red
like crimson, they shall ... doth not consider." Such ingratitude and sin as this ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/self-scrutiny in gods presence.htm

The Blood of Sprinkling
... passes away. We are cleansed! The sin which was like scarlet becomes as snow;
and that which was like crimson becomes as wool. It is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter v the blood of.htm

The Great Suit: Jehovah Versus Judah
... Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall ... lives and wound their own souls
by every sin. ... of Zion.' Jerusalem stands forlorn and defenceless, like a frail ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the great suit jehovah versus.htm

Salvation.
... chapter we learned that sin left its crimson and scarlet stains upon ... Sin no longer
has dominion ... "Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him and lies ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter iv salvation.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... It makes the thigh of sin to rot. ... The waters of holy mourning are like the river
Jordan wherein Naaman ... become white; so, though our sins be as scarlet, yet by ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of ...
... It regards our sins as being "as scarlet" and "red like crimson" (Is.1:18).
It declares that sin is more than an act, it is an attitude. ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter four the character of.htm

Repentance
... reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall ... must
repent daily.' Some shed a few tears for sin; and when, like the widow's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 2 repentance.htm