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… Let us regard these words — I. AS ADDRESSED TO THOSE WHO ARE LIVING IN SIN. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord." Sinner, bring forth thy strong reasons; then hear the reasons of God. What plea will you make for not turning to God? 1. You say, perhaps, "This world is all I desire. I am well content with what it gives. Its gains and pleasures suit me well. I wish for nothing beyond. Why not leave me to follow my own way?" What says God in reply? "The world passeth away, and the lust thereof." 2. Or, wilt thou reason thus: "I have years yet before me. At a more convenient season I will seek God"? What does God answer? "Thou fool, this night, it may be, thy soul shall be required of thee" 3. Or, dost thou say in thine heart — "I hate the knowledge of God's ways Religion is a weariness to me. I will go on as I am, and take the consequences"? Dost thou know the end of the terrors of the Lord? 4. Or, is it in thy thought to say to God, "Wherein have I sinned so much against Thee?" Behold, He answers thee: "I made thee, O man, and every power thou hast should be devoted to Me — thy life, thy health and strength, thy body and soul. Have these been devoted to Me? Has thy body been kept in soberness, temperance, and chastity? Hast thou always been led by My Spirit?" II. But the text is addressed, in its latter part more particularly, TO THOSE WHO KNOW THAT THEY HAVE DEEPLY SINNED AGAINST GOD, AND WOULD WILLINGLY, IF THEY DARED, RETURN TO HIM. What is the feeling of such? It may be, you are tempted to say, "There is no hope. My sin is too great to be forgiven." God's answer is, "Come now, and let us reason together," etc. Is it not well suited to your case? III. THE TEXT IS NOT WITHOUT ADMONITION AND COMFORT TO THE BELIEVING CHRISTIAN. (E. Blencowe, M. A.) 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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