The Stains That Remain: Good Friday Spiritual Cleansing

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

"Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, Sin had left a crimson stain; I wish it to remain." Aren't those how the lyrics go in the hymn "Jesus Paid It All"? No, they're not, but if we're honest, that's how we can feel. The actual lyrics say, "Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow." What a difference one line makes.

On this Good Friday, as we reflect on Christ's sacrifice, we must face an uncomfortable truth about holding onto our sins, our habits, and our self-centered ways: sometimes our stains cling to us because we're not that concerned if they come out.

Embracing Spiritual Cleansing on Good Friday

Thomas à Kempis writes, "Where are your thoughts when they are not upon yourself? If you wish to have true peace of mind and unity of purpose, you must cast all else aside and keep only yourself before your eyes." That doesn't sound like good advice; it sounds selfish. It's very important we understand his meaning: à Kempis is saying we must constantly watch ourselves to avoid sinning. We don't have time to worry about others' failures, nor the right to do so (John 21:22). Paul said, "This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ

Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst (1 Tim. 1:15). James explains, "God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?" (4:12). Since our judgment exists in "a vacuum", no judgment remains accept that which exists between us and our Creator; therefore, Paul admits that he is the worst because there are none others by which he can judge himself.

Once we realize all that remains is our relationship with Jesus, our bond to Him becomes like looking into a mirror. When we betray ourselves, we betray Him, and vice versa. On the cross, Jesus didn't just die to wash away our sins—He died to reorient our lives. To turn our gaze from ourselves to Him.

The Path to Spiritual Cleansing

À Kempis continues: "If you seek Jesus in all things, you will surely find him. Likewise, if you seek yourself, you will find yourself—to your own ruin. For the man who does not seek Jesus does himself much greater harm than the whole world and all his enemies could ever do." Notice à Kempis differentiates between "keeping" and "seeking."

Creation receives its worth from its Creator. Our lives find meaning not in self-fulfillment but in becoming Christ (Gal. 2:20). When we make ourselves the center, we diminish ourselves. This may sound contradictory, but that's often the nature of spiritual truth. Jesus said, "Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it" (Matthew 16:25).

The darkness of Good Friday leads to the light of Easter. Christ took the corrupt symbol of Roman power over death and claimed it as an eternal promise to raise new life. When our sins die on the cross, we are given new life. But we must be willing to let go of our stains—to allow Christ to wash them away completely through Good Friday spiritual cleansing. "For what, without Jesus, can the world give you? Life without him is a relentless hell, but living with Him is a sweet paradise. If Jesus be with you, no enemy can harm you. No one is so rich as the man who lives in His grace" (à Kempis).

Your Good Friday Goal: Today, identify one "stain" you've been reluctant to let go—one area where you've kept yourself at the center rather than Christ. Write it down, pray over it, and physically place it at the foot of a cross (either a physical cross or one you draw). As Easter approaches, embrace the full washing that Christ offers—not just forgiveness of sins, but transformation of your entire life's orientation from self to Savior.