“SIN-STAINED”

6 “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.”

Isaiah 64:6

We hear people say they are “good,” claiming that though they do make some “mistakes,” they are, for the most part, high-minded. They pray, help the poor, and obey the law. And sometimes, they go to church. So, they are convinced that they must be in good standing with God.

However, the Bible has something to say about our presumed “good works.”

In our previous blog, we were reminded that regardless of its magnitude, sin is an affront to God. Here’s another thought to ponder:

Man is unrighteous.

Today’s verse comes from a chapter that serves as a sharp reminder of man’s need for God’s mercy and the effects of turning away from His ways. Isaiah acknowledges the people’s sins, comparing them to “unclean” individuals and declaring that their good works are like filthy rags. They looked religious on the outside, but were rotting on the inside. 

The imagery of being unclean likely alludes to the ceremonial uncleanness of lepers, the highest degree of spiritual contamination among the Jews. Lepers were not allowed to enter the courts of the Tabernacle, fearing that they might pollute the others. 

On the other hand, the idea of filthy rags is a picture image of the Jews' external ceremonies and services wherein they placed their confidence and thus hoped for justification of their sins. But these supposed good works are considered garbage because of their unrepentant hearts. Since their hearts were wicked, everything they did, including their so-called acts of righteousness, was an abomination to God.

This principle applies to all generations—even today. By default, we are all sinful; no one can claim perfect righteousness. No matter what we do—even if we give all of our stuff away or die for another—unless we are first made right with God, we do it in sin. When we ignore God and His laws, we’re sinning against an eternally holy God. It is only fitting that the punishment is eternal, too.

But when we have a proper understanding of God’s holiness, we will discover our personal uncleanness, just as Isaiah did. Our best efforts are likened to filthy rags, having no spiritual or eternal value. Since these works were done with sin-stained hands, they cannot pass God’s stringent standards of holiness.

Thankfully, God is approachable and merciful. Even in our darkest days, we can come to Him, acknowledge our sins, and ask for His forgiveness. When we search for Him earnestly, we will find Him and receive absolution from our sins. He will wipe them all clean.

But have you come to Jesus for forgiveness?

Pursue the Savior today!

Photo by Bo Normand on Unsplash