The color red holds significance across cultures and religions, invoking a range of symbolism and meaning. When examining the color red through a Christian lens, specifically in relation to God, there are a few key associations worth exploring.
Red in the Bible
The Bible contains various references to the color red, often linking it to concepts like blood, sacrifice, sin, and redemption. Some examples include:
- In Isaiah 1:18, God says “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Here, the color red (scarlet) is associated with sin.
- In Revelation 1:5, Jesus is referred to as “the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.” Blood and sacrifice are symbolized by red.
- In Exodus 12, God instructs the Israelites to paint their doorposts with lamb’s blood so the angel of death will pass over their homes. The blood, vividly red, signals redemption.
- In Joshua 2:18, Rahab ties a scarlet cord out her window so her family will be spared during the attack on Jericho. The red cord sets them apart for deliverance.
So in the Bible, red is often tied to human sin, blood sacrifice, and God’s redemptive plan for humanity. It is a symbol of both humanity’s fallen nature and God’s merciful salvation.
Red in Christian Worship
The color red also appears frequently in Christian worship services and holidays:
- In Catholic and Orthodox churches, cardinals and bishops wear red vestments and hats.
- Red is worn on Pentecost in honor of the Holy Spirit.
- Red candles are lit during Christmas Eve services.
- In some church calendars, red marks feast days of martyrs who died for their faith.
- During Holy Week services, red symbolizes Christ’s blood shed on the cross.
In worship, red represents the Holy Spirit, sacrifice, and Christian martyrs. It reminds us of the passion of Christ and blood shed by those who sacrificed everything for their faith.
Red as a Symbol of God’s Love
While the color red has many symbolic meanings, it can ultimately point to the towering love of God as shown through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. A few ways red signals God’s vast love:
- Jesus shed his red blood to redeem humanity from sin and separation from God.
- God sees our sin as red, but washes us white as snow through Christ’s forgiveness (Isaiah 1:18).
- The red of Christ’s blood defeats the influence of evil and provides full reconciliation with God.
- Martyrs through the ages have shed their red blood because of an overpowering love for God.
So while red has many nuanced symbolic meanings, it can direct our eyes to the extravagant love of God demonstrated through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Christ’s blood makes our relationship with God possible now and for eternity.
Red as a Reminder of Christ’s Return
The color red also points forward to the return of Jesus Christ. In the book of Revelation, Jesus is portrayed as returning with eyes blazing like fire and wearing a red robe dipped in blood:
“He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.” (Revelation 19:13-15)
This vivid red imagery reminds us that Jesus will return as a conquering king to judge evil and make all things new. The shedding of his blood allows God’s kingdom to be fully realized on earth. Red symbolizes the final victory and restoration Christ will bring at his second coming.
Red in God’s Original Creation
The color red did not originally symbolize human sin and sacrifice. In God’s untainted original creation, red spoke of:
- Beauty and vibrancy, seen in red flowers, plants, and minerals.
- Life and health, as evident in red blood that animates living things.
Red only took on negative symbolism after humanity’s fall into sin. But the redemption through Christ allows us to see shades of red’s original, pure meaning. When God looks at the color red, he sees the beauty and life that he originally intended it to convey.
Conclusion
For God, the color red takes on multilayered meaning tied to sacrifice, sin, redemption, victory, and restoration. While red Directs our eyes to the cross and Christ’s blood poured out for humanity, it also reminds us of God’s vast love demonstrated through this sacrifice. The varied symbolism of red points to the grand narrative of Scripture and God’s unfolding plan to defeat sin and restore all things through Christ. Most of all, red signifies the staggering extent a holy God would go to reconcile his creation back to himself.