What if a famous scientist or a noted professor invited you to debate and reason about topics in their field of expertise? The discussion will be on the radio or a TV program. Would you feel as much trepidation as I would?
Reason as a noun is defined as “the capacity for rational thought or inference. The state of having good sense and sound judgment.” The verb is simply, “Think logically.” Teachers work diligently every year to instill reason as a skill in their students.
We have some of those qualities in a measure, but adequate enough to engage in higher academic or scientific reasoning and debate? I wouldn’t feel comfortable unless it involves searching the scriptures.
How astounding is it when the Almighty God of the universe invites us, “Come now, and let us reason together…”. About what? Many complex and fascinating subjects will not be covered:
• How gravity and magnetic fields keep the earth stable in its orbit.
• The tilt of the earth on its axis for seasons so that the loss or gain of daylight can be measured to the second.
• How atoms with electrons orbiting around a nucleus of protons and neutrons got their electrical charge.
• How two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen make a molecule of water, so essential for all forms of life.
All life and its complexity would take a lifetime to discuss. However, the Lord narrows the topic and establishes the guidelines for that discussion. His focus is the beginning of spiritual life which is forever.
The topic? Sin, plain and simple. Noticeable as scarlet and crimson.
Hard to ignore because of the far reaching effect sin has.
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.
The Lord offers the solution to the sin problem. The scarlet and crimson of sin can be changed to be white as snow and wool. How does that happen?
The answer is in the story of the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. A miraculous display of the supernatural began at his birth and continued on through his life and ministry. Healings, some that had never been seen before, were experienced. He offered forgiveness as well as healing to many which led to a dynamic change in their lives. No wonder the Spirit of God is likened to rain, a well, and a river; all typical of life sustaining water.
As Jesus hung on the cross he prayed, “Father, forgive them…” Forgiveness is a beautiful blessing from the Lord. To forgive is a simple statement but a powerful act.
The Bible says, “In whom [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). Repentance is a prerequisite to forgiveness (Acts 2:38). It is more than remorse and regret for sin. It is a basic change of heart. The blessings that follow are abundant and wonderful. That’s reason enough to determine to find out more about God’s forgiveness of sin.
Mitch Glover is pastor of Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday services include Bible classes for all ages at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Bible study is Thursday at 7 p.m. Visit sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.
