Steven A. Bush - March 5, 2023
Filthy Rags for Robes of Righteousness
Isaiah 64:6 says: "We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind." (NLT) Isaiah is considered Israel's most renowned prophet. His name means, "Yahweh is salvation." Strikingly, many of Isaiah's prophesies pointed to the Messiah. Also known as The Righteous One, Jesus would remove our filthy rags and robe us in His righteousness. Romans 3:22-24 affirms: "This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction, since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus..." (AMP) This is the Gospel! This news is better than good! May Isaiah 61:10 be our own profession before heaven and earth: "I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels." (NLT)
Scripture References: Isaiah 64:6-9, Romans 3:20-27, Isaiah 61:10