Forgiving Our Darkest Sins

Sculptor Anish Kapoor bought the exclusive artistic rights to use the color considered the blackest shade of black on the planet. Called “Vantablack,” the hue is so dark that it absorbs 99.96 percent of light and helps hide satellites and stealth fighter jets from the naked eye.

Our reading in Isaiah 43 describes God’s love for His people, despite their disobedient and stubborn nature. Rather than abandon them in anger, He offers this declaration of love: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” The sinfulness of humanity cannot outweigh God’s amazing capacity to forgive and redeem us.

The first seven verses of this chapter are like a love poem to God’s people. He expresses His care and love: “I will be with you” (v. 2); “I love you” (v. 4). We are valued as God’s creation (v. 7). Verses 8 through 13 describe how the Lord alone is God (v. 10). He is the only One who has the power to save His people (vv. 11–13).

But God’s love does not erase man’s sins. Despite the long history of God’s provision and salvation, they have disappointed and disobeyed their Redeemer (vv. 14–22). They have not honored Him (v. 23). They have “burdened” and “wearied” Him (v. 24).

God offers them hope and forgiveness: “I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more” (v. 25). Our pitch-black sin is in contrast to the piercing light of God’s love. No matter how devoid of light we are, God is able to cut through the darkness. Forgiveness is needed, because we do not obey Him. Forgiveness is offered, because He loves us and it delights Him to redeem us.

Pray with Us

Do you have areas of your life that feel as though they were painted in Vantablack? Maybe you fear He could never love someone like you. God invites you to come to Him, to acknowledge your sin, and to accept His forgiveness. Bring your darkest places before Him today, and see how His love transforms your life into His light.

BY Jamie Janosz

Jamie Janosz serves as a content development manager for Moody Bible Institute. She writes monthly devotionals for Today in the Word and has published non-fiction essays with Christianity Today’s Her.meneutics blog. Recently Jamie wrote a book titled When Others Shuddered: Eight Women Who Refused to Give Up (Moody Publishers). Jamie studied theology and writing at Moody Bible Institute, Columbia College, and Illinois State University. She lives on the Atlantic coast of Florida with her husband, Milt, and daughter, Sabrina.