If your Mom is like mine, she’s probably given you some handy cleaning tips over the years.

She (or your Dad or caregiver) may have told you that you can use baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice as natural cleaning products.

She might have even told you about some surprising substances you can use to clean household items, like Coca-cola, mayonnaise, toothpaste or ketchup.

You may have been taught the secret to getting Blood stains out of clothes: wash the fabric in cold water only. This is counterintuitive, because it’s the opposite of how you treat most other stains.

In the case of blood, however, heat will only set the stain and make it harder to remove.

It’s good to know how to deal with pesky stains: what substances to use to clean things, and what substances and methods not to use.

For instance, you’d certainly never use blood itself to clean anything.

Or would you?

Scripture tells us that there’s a special case where blood washes things whiter than snow:

When it’s the blood of Jesus.

Only the blood of Jesus has the power to cleanse us from our Sins.

Scripture tells us that without the shedding of blood there is no remission from sins. And we’ve all sinned: let’s not kid ourselves.

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)

In Old Testament times, animal sacrifices were used as a way to atone for the people’s sins year by year. This was only a temporary solution, however, and pointed to the need for a permanent remedy. This once-and-for-all resolution became available through Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross.

“For this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.” (Matthew 26:28)

“But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

If you’ve ever gotten all sweaty and dirty working in the garden, you’ll know how good it feels to take a shower, scrub off the grime, and then put on fresh clothes. It’s a relief to put things right and get back to feeling as you should: clean and restored.

Wouldn’t you like to feel that way spiritually as well?

You can! God has provided a way through His son Jesus to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

“ ‘Come now, let’s settle this,’ says the LORD. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.’ ” (Isaiah 1:18)

Just as Mom knows the best way to clean things around the house, your Heavenly Father knows the best and only way to cleanse your soul.

Why don’t you take Him up on His offer of forgiveness? Accept Jesus’ sacrifice on your behalf and let Him scrub the grime of sin off your soul. He’ll give you a robe of righteousness, clean and white.

You’ll feel such a relief to have made things right with God, and to be in a restored relationship with Him.

It feels good to be clean!

© 2021 Lori J. Cartmell