“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”

1 Timothy 1:15

We love our mugs of tea and coffee. Most of our mugs are white (or close to white) on the inside and every now and then we notice that there is a build up of stain. It isn’t a health issue and doesn’t noticeably change the flavour of the tea or coffee. It isn’t removed completely by regular washing processes. It takes something more to clean them thoroughly.

Fortunately I married well and my wife knows how to clean anything and do it to perfection. Stubborn stains cringe and wilt when they see her coming. They almost leap out of the mug at the sight of her approach with the appropriate equipment. I dare not inquire as to what is the appropriate equipment.

The next time I select a mug it is as white as it ever can be and I am glad I have someone to clean my mug of the stubborn stains.

I am also glad that I have Someone who is able to see and cleanse me of the stubborn stains of sin in the “cup” of my life.

John writes: “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship One with the other, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.” And “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:5, 1 John 1:9

In some places where I have worked I have seen stains in mugs build up over several years to extreme levels and some people will still use them but not me. Perhaps they have become used to the stain. Sadly, we can also become used to the stains of sin in our lives and not realise that we are unfit for the Master’s presence or use.

Because of what Jesus Christ has done for us we are privileged to ask Him to scrutinise our lives for the stains of sin. He is well qualified to see the stains for He is without sin. He is also qualified to remove the stains of sin and He does let us know the agent of cleansing: it is His own blood shed on Calvary’s cross.

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

1 John 1:7