Just Forgiven?

     Looking out at the new snow this morning and wondering what spiritual lesson I can learn from it.  I thought of the insulating quality of snow, as referred to in Psalm 147:16.  Since I am currently studying the book of Job, I thought of God's question to Job (38:22) indicating the many mysteries we haven't answered about snow.

     But the thought that probably comes to some is the statement God makes through the prophet Isaiah: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow..."  (Isa. 1:18)  The problem is that most people who claim to be Christian act as if the text said your sins will be covered as with the snow.  When the snow falls it does cover up a lot of defects and ugliness on the ground.

     But the text indicates a transformation will take place.  God does not just cover our sins, He transforms us!  The plan of God is to not just cover over our wickedness.  His desire is to totally change us from sinners to holy people.  Anyone who truly follows Jesus will be a brand new person.  God's promise is: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things are gone, look, everything becomes new!"  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

     A true Christian is not the same person they were before they "found Christ".  They have not just been covered, like snow covers the ground, with the same "old stuff" underneath.  A true Christian is a transformed person.  They have been recreated by the creative power of Christ. 

     And what a creative work God does!  "Your sins...shall be as white as snow."  Our weakness can become our strength.  The "hot head" with a bad temper can become known as a calm, gentle person.  The impure will become pure.  The glutton can gain total control of his appetite.  "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  (Matthew 19:26)

     God will not take forgiven sinners to heaven.  No one will be there who is still a sinner with a cover.  God will take forgiven sinners to heaven who have ALSO been changed into holy people by the power of God.  To be "just forgiven" is a tragedy and a rip-off.  To be entirely re-created is God's goal for us.  Is it your goal too?  It can be a reality for you if you will surrender your will to God and cooperate with Him.