I. Introduction
A. Arguing Over the Check
1. Have you ever had a good argument?
a. For example, God has blessed you recently, and you want to treat another couple to a meal at a restaurant, but when the check comes, you find yourself in a game of slap tag trying to get it so you can pay.
b. Perhaps you’ve offered to pay for a round of golf for your dad, but when you get to the counter, the attendant says he’s already paid.
c. These are good arguments to have. It’s like only something good can come from it.
2. Tonight, our passage is much like this scenario. Even though there is something owed, God says He will pay the price, no matter how high the price is!
B. Background on Text
1. This beautiful verse finds itself in an unusual place.
a. In this section, God explains why Israel is being punished. Chapter one is Israel’s indictment
b. In a literary feature common to Isaiah, as God speaks of how He must discipline Israel, He also provides hope for their future.
2. Let’s look at some ways this passage both convicts and comforts us.
II. Conviction and Comfort
A. with God
1. This passage does not mean that God is willing to with us.
a. The passage encourages us to see that, even in our worst moments, God still wants us near. He wants to reach us.
b. The passage reminds us of God’s desire for us to find from our sins.
c. He is asking them to listen to Him (vs. 2,10).
2. Verse 19 reminds us that we must choose to listen to God and follow His ways if we want to have our sins cleansed.
B. As White As
1. The imagery of scarlet and snow is a beautiful picture of God’s .
a. The reference to scarlet is no doubt a reference to blood, which was required in the many sacrifices of the Old Covenant. God has just been discussing sacrifices earlier in the chapter (vs. 11-13).
b. In an interesting bit of oral tradition, on the Day of Atonement, when the scapegoat was chosen, it is said that a scarlet thread was tied around the horn of the scapegoat. When it was led away from the camp, eventually the scarlet thread would turn white, signifying that the sins of the nation had been forgiven. (Leviticus 16:1-34; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 10:10)
c. If you’ve ever had to get a blood stain out of a garment, you know how challenging it can be. To return the garment to where there is no trace of the stain is nearly impossible if the stain has set in. But that’s exactly what God has done for us through the blood of Jesus.
2. Through Christ, the stain of sin is . (1 John 1:7; Revelation 7:14; Hebrews 10:10).
C. Promise
1. As our section of this passage ends, we are reminded that the promise is .
a. If you are willing and obedient…but if you refuse and rebel…
b. Forgiveness was conditional under the Old Covenant as it is under the New Covenant.
2. Verses 16-17 emphasize the importance of genuine change (repentance) in the lives of those who truly want to follow God. There are nine commandments packed into these two verses.
3. Verses 19-20 contrast what happens when we are obedient and when we are rebellious.
4. God’s desire is that all men be saved (1 Timothy 2:4), but we must to follow Him if we want to receive the promise of eternal life.
III. Conclusion
A. Review
1. God’s will is that all men be saved; that’s why Jesus came to die for us.
2. Only He can truly remove the stain of sin in our lives.
3. We must choose to follow Him if we want that forgiveness and eternal life with God.
B. Invitation
1. Why would you refuse God paying off the debt of your sin?
2. Allow Him to make you white as snow.