Catechesis Notes for the Week — Though your sins are like scarlet… “Our sin is serious and pervasive. It is a thorough corruption of our nature. The Lord compares our sin to the deep scarlet or crimson color of blood to teach us that life must be offered to make atonement for sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Atonement for sin is made by the shedding of blood because life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11), but our own life is not sufficient to make the payment. That this payment is made by another (vicarious atonement) is indicated by the phrases, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Forgiveness is from the Lord alone. It is God’s transaction. He provides the pure and unblemished Lamb to make the payment which He Himself demands (Genesis 22:8). His forgiveness is full, thorough, and complete, like the pure, brilliant white of snow and like the covering of lamb’s wool. According to the Lord’s reasoning or reckoning, although our sins are great, He imputes them to Jesus who makes atonement for them by the shedding of His blood upon the cross. For Jesus’ sake, He declares us forgiven and we are justified.” [Excerpt from Lutheran Catechesis: Catechist Edition, p. 242b]CP240211