Why not “blue, red & white” or “white, blue & red”?
This is probably not a coincidence. I heard a historian once state that it had to do with the Biblical message of salvation taught by Christianity. Our nation’s Christian heritage was emphasized often in our patriotism and nationalism. I wish I could document this, but here is the theory:
First Red
The color of the blood of Jesus Christ shed for our sins on the cross. Forgiveness of sins does not come from confession initially but from faith in Jesus Christ and His blood to cleanse us. Colossians 1:4 says, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” Romans 3:25 states, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”
Then White
The color of cleansing. We can’t cleanse ourselves. Proverbs 20:9 asks, “Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?”
The blood of Christ can cleanse us! “...the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7b). “...Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,” (Revelation 1:5b). Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
Lastly Blue
The color of heaven. Heaven isn’t really blue, but this is the color we equate with it because the sky is so often blue as we look up.
Next time you think of the “red, white, & blue,” think of the gospel story. Trust in Christ as your Saviour and be clean from your sin. Heaven awaits those who are saved. Ask the Lord Jesus to be your Saviour today. Only He can cleanse from sin.
