From Scarlet to Snow

In the ancient world, there was a deep, rich crimson dye made from a tiny red insect found on the Araratian plains and along the Arax River. This Armenian cochineal was so powerful, so intense, that once it touched wool, it could never be washed out. You could soak it, scrub it, expose it to sun and weather, nothing could erase it. The stain became part of the fabric itself.

Even today, after centuries have passed, archaeologists still uncover textiles, khachkars, and ancient stones, and that red is still shining. Time couldn’t fade it. Light couldn’t weaken it. It looked permanent.

And it is no accident that God chose that exact image when He says in the Scriptures: “Come now, and let us reason together. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

Many people are walking through life carrying stains in their hearts that they believe will never wash out. Mistakes from years ago. Choices you wish you could undo. Words spoken in anger that wounded someone you loved. Habits that keep pulling you back into places you no longer want to be. Failures that still echo in your thoughts late at night.

And the enemy whispers, “This is who you are now. That mark is permanent. You can change many things, but not that.”

But God says something very different. God says, “Bring it to Me. Let us talk about it. Let me show you what I can do with what you think cannot be erased.”

This is the heart of repentance. Repentance is not about living in shame. It is not about being stuck in guilt. Repentance means turning around. It means turning your heart back toward God.

The moment you take one step back toward Him, God begins to cleanse you. As Scripture promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Not some. Not most. All.

So, turn toward Him today. Lay it at His feet. And receive what only He can give: not a faded life, not a damaged future, but a clean heart and a new beginning. White as snow.