In the Massachusetts Bay Colony during the early 1700's, convicted men and women literally became "marked men." For a designated number of years they were required by law to wear, sewn to their sleeve, a large letter made from scarlet cloth revealing the sin which they had committed. A stood for adultery, B for blasphemy, D for drunkenness, F for forgery, I for incest, R for rape and T for thievery.
That law was later repealed as being "too inhumane" for our society. Today, people seem to believe that because the law was repealed and the letters banished the crimes they stood for also have been removed.
Tragically, however, sin has not decreased—only public concern about sin. Though those letters have long ago disappeared, the sins they indicate still touch every home, family and life in some form or other.
Yes, the letters are gone, but in God's sight we wear them yet!
If a scarlet letter were to appear suddenly on your sleeve, what would it be?
"Impossible!" you say.
Don't be too sure. The Word of God tells us that that very thing shall happen before all the universe: "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known." Luke 12:22For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. (Luke 12:2). What a terrible moment that will be when you stand before God and men to have all of the past revealed!
But there is good news for you. There is One who has died to free you from the guilt and penalty of your sins. Listen to these glorious words: "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23). Because of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, because at Calvary His precious blood was shed, you may be free forever from the scarlet letter of sin.
Think of it! Christ, the very Son of God, took all the shame and ignominy of sin upon Himself. Today, as He looks at you, what does He see—a life branded with the guilt of sin, or a heart cleansed by faith in Him?
If you have never before looked to Him for forgiveness, for cleansing, for the assurance of eternal life, why not look to Him and trust Him right now? Why should you continue to wear a letter of shame? The choice is yours—the crimson blood or the scarlet letter.