A clean slate

“You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” John 15:3

When the phrase a clean slate is used, someone’s past has been wiped out and they are

beginning a fresh start. This is an old saying that dates back to the 19th century when a piece of slate was actually used for writing because it could be easily be cleaned and reused.

Oh, we have all made our share of mistakes through the years and I'm thankful for God's grace and forgiveness. Fortunately for us, God doesn't hold a grudge against our past trangressions.

Although the ministry of Jesus was short lived, He performed numerous miracles to those in need and was accosted by the sick as He traveled from village to village. In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus is approached by ten lepers. Lepers were ostracized and excommunicated so it left them to a life of isolation and shame. They begged for pity to be placed upon them so they could be healed from this terrible disease.. Jesus tells them to go to their priests and as they obeyed, they were cleansed.

Out of the ten, only one comes back to Jesus acknowledging God and giving Him praise. The Samaritan who was once deemed unclean was now physically restored to health and spiritually healed.

We are all given the same opportunity as the lepers. Once we become a believer and have given our life to Christ, He makes all things new. Our past is a clean slate because we have confessed our sins and asked for forgiveness. As we begin to understand the teachings from the Scriptures, a transformation happens within us through the power of the Holy Spirit.