Various Articles
Sins as Scarlet
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Sins as Scarlet
The Mount Zijon Assembly of Jah
presents
Though Your Sins Be As Scarlet
1. A Sinful World
Millions of people in every country live out their lives in silent despair, as troubles mount on every side. Broken homes, loneliness, unemployment, debt, illness, crime, vice, violence and many other ills have overwhelmed human society. Some try so many ways to solve personal problems only to find that they are continually adding to their problems. All the while, personal guilt is escalating throughout society.
Families are growing apart, loved ones are going their own way. The community spirit, so strong in days gone by, is fading. Greed, selfishness, sex and violence are the order of the day. Many souls bravely ride out the storm, hoping against hope that things will get better. But the situation grows worse. Some, seeing no way out of their personal problems, commit suicide. To be sure, this is all common knowledge. I mention it simply by way of introduction to show that something is radically wrong with our world. Many hundreds of years ago the Apostle Paul wrote these words about our day.
2 Timothy 3:1
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This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2: For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy (unjahly), 3: Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,4: Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of Jah;5: Having a form of Jahliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
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Jahshuwah the Messijah also warned about these things. He added a list of international problems: wars, famines, disease epidemics, natural disasters and persecution. He said that the assemblies would loose many members: that love for Jah and neighbour would wax cold and faith would be a rare commodity. These signs, he predicted, would all precede his return to earth.
Matthew 24:12
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And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
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Mark 13:8
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For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
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"But Why," you may well ask, "is the world in such a mess?" The basic reason is because men and women have turned away from Jah. They have rejected Jah's offer of salvation through His Ben (Son) Jahoshawah. They have rejected His Word (the Scriptures), His Almenach (Calendar), His name (JAH) and His commandments. The time has come for Him to act. Jah is about to step in, shake up mankind and take over the governments of the world. But before He does that He is currently making His final appeals to the human race. The Scripture says:
2 Peter 3:9
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Jah is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
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In other words, though Jah will punish sinners in time, He does not want anyone to perish; to be annihilated - if there is the slightest chance they may accept His offer of mercy. That is what this lesson is about. It is an urgent invitation to consider the Holy options open to you before it is eternally too late. For make no mistake, Jah will in time punish the world for its transgressions.
2. Holy Options
The punishment for sin is eternal death. But before condemning a sinner to death Jah offers terms of mercy. Only when His mercy is repeatedly rejected does punishment follow. These Holy terms are documented in the scriptures.
Option 1 ... Unbelief and Death
Ezekiel 18:4
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Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die ...
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 verse 20
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The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
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Option 2 ... Forgiveness / Cleansing
Ezekiel 18:21
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But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.22: All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.23: Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith Jah: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
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Isaiah 1:16
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Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;17: Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.18: Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.19: If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:20: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of JAH hath spoken it.
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3. Examples of Forgiveness
I will now list instances of some notable sinners of Scripture times who found forgiveness from Jah. Their sins include prostitution, idolatry, adultery, deceit, murder and sedition. When they repented, they were all forgiven.
Rahab (Prostitution)
Rahab was a harlot who lived in the world's oldest city - Jericho. She became a believer in the Jah of Jahzrael. She and her family were spared when the city was conquered and all its inhabitants slaughtered.
Joshua 2:18
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Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.
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Joshua 6:25
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And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Jahzrael even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.
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Though your sins (Rahab) be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
King Manasseh (Idolatry)
Manasseh was one of the worst kings who ever ruled in Judah. His sins were vile and numerous. Jah severely punished Manasseh. But he repented and the Most high forgave him and put him back on the throne. The story of Manasseh is breath-taking. It shows that Jah is infinitely merciful to even the vilest sinner.
2 Chronicles 33:1
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Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jahoshalem: 2: But did that which was evil in the sight of JAH, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom JAH had cast out before the children of Jahzrael.3: For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.
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verse 12
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And when he was in affliction, he besought the Adonay his JAH, and humbled himself greatly before the Jah of his fathers, 13: And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jahoshalem (Jahrusalem) into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Adonay he was JAH.
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Though your sins (Manasseh) be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
King David (Adultery/Murder)
King David, for all his knowledge and love for Jah's law, fell victim to the charms of a beautiful woman. When he saw Bath-sheba bathing his spiritual defenses collapsed and he committed adultery with her. So captivated was the king that he had her husband murdered in battle. David then took Bath-sheba as his wife. JAH was terribly angry and pronounced judgement against Jahvid.
2 Samuel 12:11
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Thus saith JAH, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.12: For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Jahzrael, and before the sun. 13: And Javid said unto Nathan, I have sinned against JAH. And Nathan said unto David, JAH also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
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Though your sins (David) be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Mary, the sister of Lazarus
Mary was a notable sinner who lived in ancient village of Bethany. What her sin was we are not told. When she met Jahshuwah she was converted. Never in all her days had she met such a man. Jahshuwah became her Saviour and her friend.
Luke 7:37
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And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jahoshawah sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,38: And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.39: Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.40: And Jahoshuwah answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.41: There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.42: And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?43: Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.44: And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.45: Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.46: My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.47: Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
(Read about Mary in Mark 14:3-9, John 11:1-2, John 12:1-3)
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Though your sins (Mary) be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Apostle Paul (Persecutor/Sedition)
Before his conversion the Apostle Paul (previously called Saul) persecuted the Messijahnic-Jahzarene Assembly. He was present - and agreed with - the death sentence when it was carried out on the first Jahzarene (Nazarene) martyr Stephen. But the Saviour recognized that Saul's zeal was misguided and he decided to personally confront him. Saul was converted. He later became one of the Jahspel's greatest champions and the writer of many letters in the New Testament.
Acts 8:1
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And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the assembly which was at Jahoshalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judah and Samaria, except the apostles.2: And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.3: As for Saul, he made havock of the assembly, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
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Acts 9:1
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And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of JAH, went unto the high priest,2: And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jahoshalem.
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Paul's Confession
1 Corinthians 15:9
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For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the assembly of Jah.
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Galatians 1:13
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For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' (Jahbrews) religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of Jah, and wasted it:
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Acts 9:5
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And he said, Who art thou, Master? And the Adonay said, I am Jahoshawah whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.6: And he trembling and astonished said, Adonay, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Adonay said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
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Though your sins (Paul) be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
The Thief on the Cross
We do not know the name of this thief. But he is the perfect example of one who could find salvation on the very last day of his life. He ended his life a converted man. This man will be in paradise because of his faith in Jahoshawah.
Luke 23:38
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And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.39: And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be The Messijah, save thyself and us.40: But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear Jah, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41: And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.42: And he said unto Jahoshawah, Adonay, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.43: And Jahshuwah said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day [I assure you that] thou shalt be with me in paradise.
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Though your sins be as scarlet,(O Thief) they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
4. What must I do to be saved?
To be pardoned from sin and its consequences - eternal death - a sinner must believe, commit one's life to, Jahoshawah the Massijah. Faith must then be expressed in obedience to JAH'S commandments. In short, to be saved you must trust and obey JAH. There is no other option. Listen to the advice of Paul and Jahshuwah concerning the route to salvation and eternal life.
Paul's Advice
Acts 16:30
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And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?31: And they said, Believe on the Adonay Jahoshewah The Messijah, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
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Jahoshuwah' s Advice
Matthew 19:16
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And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?17: And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, Jah: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.18: He saith unto him, Which? Jahshuwah said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,19: Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
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5. What About You?
How will you react to JAH'S invitation to give up your sins and be saved? He is ready to pardon you, no matter how many times you have broken His law. So long as you confess your sins to Jah and then forsake them, you will certainly receive a free pardon. You can see from the Scripture examples quoted that no case is hopeless. No one is beyond salvation. It is possible for even the vilest sinner on earth to be saved. Listen again to JAH'S pleading voice:
Isaiah 1:16
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Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;17: Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.18: Come now, and let us reason together, saith JAH: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.19: If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:20: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of JAH hath spoken it.
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What Does This Mean To You?
It means this: No matter what sin you may have committed: prostitution, homosexuality, idolatry, adultery, murder, theft, blasphemy or sedition: you can be forgiven - if you want forgiveness. The Holy offer is open to you - now! 'Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.'
The New Testament invitation to salvation is worded like this:
Revelation 22:1
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And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of Jah and of the Lamb ...
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verse 17
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And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
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Who Can Accomplish This Miracle?
Jahoshawah the Massijah can. In the privacy of your own room, kneel down and confess your sins to Jah and accept His offer of mercy before it is too late. I repeat: no matter how many sins you may have committed, Jah is willing and able to forgive you. If you accept salvation you will be able to say with the Psalmist:
Psalm 23:6
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Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of JAH for ever.
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The alternative to salvation is damnation: and that, is too dreadful to even contemplate.
6. The Believer's Future
No matter how desperate your present situation may be: if you believe in Jahoshawah the Saviour, your future is bright beyond anything you can imagine. JAH your Heavenly Abbah has in store for you an inheritance far better than the wealthiest billionaire can purchase. In the paradise of the new heavens and the new earth that He has promised to create, there will be no sickness, no sorrow, no pain and no death. The redeemed host will live there for all eternity in absolute peace, happiness and good health. This is the Word of Jah!
Revelation 21:1
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And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.2: And I John saw the holy city, new Jahoshalem, coming down from Jah out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.3: And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of Jah is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and Jah himself shall be with them, and be their Jah.4: And Jah shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.5: And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.6: And he said unto me, It is done. I am the Beginning and the End. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his Jah, and he shall be my ben. 8: But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
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The Apostle Paul sums it up in these words:
1 Corinthians 2:9
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But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which Jah hath prepared for them that love him.
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7. Summary
There you have it: your future prospects guaranteed on the Word of Jah. What stronger reassurances do you need? None whatsoever. So let me close by summarizing this lesson:
 The present world is in total disarray and is getting worse by the week. Insoluble problems of all kinds are engulfing nations, communities, families and individuals. Your own life may well be in ruins. I don't know. But do not despair; there is hope.
JAH the Maker of the mighty universe, is extending mercy to all mankind: even to the vilest sinner that walks this earth. Failure to accept His offer of mercy will result in everlasting death: a prospect too horrible to contemplate! We advise you to choose life.
 Scripture examples of folk who have found mercy include: prostitutes, idolaters, adulterers, murderers, thieves, persecutors, liars and sinners of all kinds. We are all included in the list. Whatever you may think of yourself, you are no exception. You too can be saved.
 To be saved you must believe in the Adonay Jahoshawah The Massijah. Then express your faith in obedience to the commandments of Jah. This is living faith and love in action.
 You are now being offered the opportunity to give up sin and place your life in the hands of JAH. This offer of salvation is made possible through JAH'S Son Jahoshewah.
 If you accept Jah's offer of salvation, He promises you life eternal in the new heavens and new earth; where there will be no sorrow, sickness, pain or death. You have His word for it. No human mind can possibly take in the full extent of this Holy offer and its endless guarantee. It cannot fail. It will happen exactly as stated: and you have nothing to loose by accepting it.
May Jah help you make the right decision.
The Mount Zion Assembly of Jah
5 Kanarick Crescent
Toronto, Ontario M3L 1P3 Canada
647-231-9466
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