I’ve begun preparing for the All Saints Day worship service that comes the first weekend in November. One of the texts usually read on that day is from Rev. 7:14, which says, “I said to him, ‘Sir, you know.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’”

From a purely physical perspective, I’ve always wondered how deep red blood makes things white. But from a theological perspective, it makes perfect sense. Because the honest truth is that white robes get dirty, and are in desperate need of cleaning.

Did you know most pastors launder their own liturgical robes? I mean, sure, some might take them to get dry cleaned, but they are actually safe to wash at home, made up of a polyester and cotton blend.

And even though we only wear them about three hours a weekend, it’s actually quite surprising at how dirty they can get. We pastors sweat. We can get a ring around the collar. I’ve accidentally spilled some communion wine on mine. And the bottom hem can get dirty, as shown below.

I thank God for OxyClean and Shout Advanced pretreat. With them, I’m able to get my robe bright white and ready to wear, so I look the part, being numbered with the great multitude that no one can count, looking forward to our eternal residence praising God and “shouting”, or as it says in Rev. 7:10, “…crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”

But looking worthy to be in heaven isn’t the same as being worthy. And though people might not think we pastors sin much, sadly, we aren’t immune from temptation. Our hearts are blackened by the same sin that affects everyone, which is why Jesus is so important.

Because of the forgiveness Jesus gives to all of us on account of His death in the cross–on account of Him shedding His blood (the blood necessary for washing robes white)–we can rest peacefully knowing all has been done for our salvation. Because of Jesus on the cross, the words of the prophet Isaiah are fulfilled, “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Thanks be to God for that.