The Gift of Life

Week 28, Wednesday

Diane Strack

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “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 (nkjv)

Do you remember your day of salvation? It has been thirty-eight years, but I remember mine as if it were yesterday. Rows of young seekers filled the room. There was no microphone, little fanfare—just questions to be asked and answers to be tested. Finding a spot in the back, I plopped onto the floor.

I remember the sea of faces and droning voices and then, that moment: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” “You can be unconditionally forgiven,” the speaker said. A loud “Wow!” escaped from within me as though it was gasping to come up for air.

Years of a religion built on guilt convinced me that these crazy “Jesus freaks” were making up what they wanted to hear. I left without hope. Months later, on the floor again but this time in front of a heavy metal rock band, the Holy Spirit personally convinced me of the truth of those words. “Come here,” He said. “Let’s talk about this.” I prayed silently, “Lord, I give you my life.”

To say I was dramatically changed in that moment is an understatement. New life flooded my soul as I received forgiveness and hope. I suddenly understood that I could go directly to this God I had feared, and He would receive me in love.

To “reason” with God is to come to a full agreement about our sin. We come with guilt; He offers freedom from the burden of it. As the Holy One who judges sin, He is also the righteous one of mercy who is able to make us new.

The Scriptures confirm to us the personal intervention of God. He patiently and passionately extends salvation to each of us. Christ’s death on the cross is the final answer to us of whether we can be fully forgiven. His was not a wasted effort; it was a choice to once and for all defeat sin. It was not a day of death; it was the gift of life.

Isaiah’s message is clear: No matter how deep the stain, the Savior can handle it. Salvation is remarkable! It is free, eternal, and powerfully transforming. Salvation is the heavenly declaration of unconditional love and mercy. And the best part? It is a simple prayer away. Reflect on your day of salvation, rejoice in His love, and let the overwhelming joy of gratitude inspire your life today.

Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation, so full and so free. I understand that You are intimately involved in my life today, and it is Your pleasure to bless me. I receive Your forgiveness into my life and rejoice in the unconditional love that accompanies it. Amen.