In this message, we will consider four (4) symbolic colors -
- Scarlet & Crimson
- Purple
- White
If you were to select a color to symbolize "sin," what would it be?
Most would probably answer - the color "black."
Do you know the color that God chose to represent "sin" or the most marked and malignant evil?
1. Scarlet & Crimson
We find the answer to that question in Isaiah 1:18, where God says - "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
Notice God's words used here -"though your sins be as scarlet...though they be red like crimson..."
Why did He use the colors - "scarlet" and "crimson"?
For one thing, they were chosen as colors to symbolize "sin" because modern science with all its appliances finds them to be indescructible.
"Scarlet" denotes a bright, blood red color obtained from the eggs of the coccus illicis - a small insect found on the leaves of the oak in Spain and countries east of the Mediterranean. It radically means double-dyed and comes from the Hebrew word - "shanah" - which means to repeat, to double, to do a thing twice. Hence, it is known to be a fast, fixed color which neither dew, rain, washing, nor long usage could ever remove.
God chose this particular color -"scarlet" - to represent the deep fixedness and permanency of sins in the heart which no effort of man, external rites, tears, sacrifices, nor prayers would be sufficient to take away. Almighty power and grace would be needed to discharge this great, heinous, open, evident, and glaring color (symbolizing "sin") - a stain which it was literally impossible for human art or power to remove.
Although it is fictitious, there is a peculiar story told by the Rabbins saying that the high priest bound a "scarlet" fillet (headband) round the neck of the scapegoat. When the priest confessed his own sins and then the sins of the people over the scapegoat, if the atonement was accepted by God, then the fillet became white. If not, the fillet remained "scarlet" still. The whole point of the story was to illustrate the nature of the greatness of change represented by the colors.
"Though your sins be as scarlet" "though they be red like crimson"
What is the difference between "scarlet" and "crimson"? Aren't they similar in color?
Actually, the "crimson" denotes a red which is slightly tinged with blue. It is a purplish color (deeper color than "scarlet") obtained from a shellfish called murex or purpura which abounded chiefly in the seas near Tyre and was applied chiefly to wool. It was used in the construction of the tabernacle and the garments of the high priest and was in great demand by princes and great men.
When God chose these two colors - "scarlet" and "crimson" - He had a definite agenda. He selected them because they were the most glaring and flaunting of colors - double-dyed, ingrained, and ineffaceable - colors beyond all men's power and skill to discharge from a cloth which had been once dyed with them.
Once the wool had lain so long in the dye, it could not be got out though you washed it as long as you pleased. You ended up destroying the fabric before destroying the color.
That is the way it is with the fast and permanent hold of sins upon the soul. They take complete possession. No amount of effort on man's part can remove their stain. Only the grace and power of God can do it through the Blood of Jesus!
2. Purple
Mark 15:17-18 says - "And they clothed Him (Jesus) with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about His head, And began to salute Him, Hail, King of the Jews!"
Both Mark and John termed it a "purple" robe -
"And they clothed Him with purple..." (Mark 15:17)
"And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe." (John 19:2)
This color was taken from the Tyrian "purple" which was not different from "scarlet."
In fact, Matthew called it a "scarlet" robe - "And they stripped Him, and put on Him a scarlet robe." (Matthew 27:28)
Royal robes were usually "purple" and "scarlet" - making them royal colors.
So why did the soldiers clothe Jesus with "purple"? Were they acknowledging that He was indeed a King - the "King of the Jews"?
Absolutely not! Their purpose in clothing Him in "purple" was to give Him a mock appearance of royalty. After the cruel scourging, they then clothed Him in a robe or cloth of imperial color (possibly some cast-off military coat or state garment of Pilate's). In a mocking way, they then wished Him long life and prosperity as if He was a king just come to His throne and this was His coronation day.
In keeping with this thought, allow me to share some facts that I came across in my research on these verses of Scripture from the Gospel of Mark.
The Romans celebrated the ancient Roman festival of Saturn in December. During this festival, slaves took their master's places. They were dressed in the best robes and banqueted at their tables - while their lords served them. Then in a night, all was changed. The slave was then subjected to the rod and bondage.
The Babylonians and Persians had a custom whereby on certain feasts, they would bring a malefactor from prison...place him on a throne... adorn him with royal insignia...treat him with homage and honor...give him a splendid banquet ...then tear off the crown and royal apparel... scourge him...and put him to death.
No doubt, the Romans, in dealing with Jesus, had their Saturnalia festival in mind. They knew all about the custom of dressing up a victim as a king, then disrobing him and putting him to death.
That explains why "they clothed Him with purple" - a symbol of royalty.
3. White
Revelation 3:4 says -"Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy."
In this verse, those who have "defiled their garments" are contrasted with those who "shall walk with Me in white."
"Not defiled their garments" (intending souls, bodies, or consciences) was a Hebrew symbolical phrase meaning that these did not pollute themselves with abominations...did not embrace error or indulge in sin...did not defile themselves by coming in contact with the profane and polluted...but kept themselves from prevailing corruption.
They did not besmear or befoul themselves. They kept themselves unspotted from the world...the corruption of heathendom did not infect them... and their character remained undefiled.
Instead, they "walked" with Jesus in spiritual life and liberty.
How was this possible?
They walked with Him "in white" - meaning they "walked" in joy, perfect holiness, and glory.
"White" denoted the holiness of their Christian character. It was the emblem of innocence. It represented the color of the raiment of heavenly inhabitants.
It was the symbol of the truly consecrated heart that knows the joy of the Lord and is in sweet communion with Jesus.
It talks of unsullied purity and tells of victory.
"White" robes were the habit of the nobles, priests, persons of dignity and honor, kings, and conquerors. The Romans used to clothe nobles and such as were competitors for honors in "white" garments. Those that triumphed upon victories obtained were clothed in "white." When the priests and the Levites ministered, they were clothed in "white."
The only way to win and wear the "white" garments was through an entire consecration to Christ. There was simply no other way. And things have not changed. It is still the same today!
If you retain your own will and keep urging its claims, the "white" robes are not for you and will never be yours.
What other colors is God speaking through?
He is speaking through the colors of amber, black, blue, gray, green, ivory, red, vermillion, and yellow.
Do you know what He is saying through each?
Allow this study to spark your interest and move you to a further investigation into God's "color" world.
May God Bless His Word,
Connie
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. (Isaiah 54:17)
© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights Reserved