"FILTHY RAGS" Isaiah 64:6 Free Reprint Article

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"FILTHY RAGS" Isaiah 64:6

by linzy bruno
12/05/2023 / Bible Studies

“But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.” (Isaiah 64:6)

Self-righteousness is only concerned with what we think and feel and what we think is right, but when we are abiding in Christ Jesus, we are the righteousness of God in Him. This differentiation is key.

And, perhaps even more disparaging, when self-righteousness is at the forefront, we cannot help but do good deeds with ‘feeling good about ourselves’ at the forefront. Doing good for this overriding purpose, screams of ‘filthy rags’ when unbiasedly and honestly examined.

Moreover, self-righteous attitudes leave our human nature vulnerable to allowing these things to go to our heads, and we end up looking down at those who disagree with what we think is right. Through this reveal, it’s no longer difficult to comprehend the ‘filthy rags’ verse in Isaiah.

However, when we are in Him, we are using our will to choose God’s Will; we are crucifying our own flesh. Quite to the contrary, as the Bible reveals; making judgments as to what is right in accordance with what we think actually opposes the righteousness of God, (the above illustration is a case in point) if what we think does not align with what the Bible says. And even then, without faith, our righteousness is like filthy rags before the LORD.

One quite eye-opening way to find out what God’s Word is saying is to search parallel verses for confirmation. Where there is a discrepancy, there is the error of man. This is the equivalent to judging in accordance with the written law. However, where there is agreement, there is revelation of the Truth. This, along with petitioning God for a right heart, will enable and inspire us toward pleasing God and abiding in His Righteousness:

“Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 3:20-24)

Parallel Verses:

“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25)

“But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?” (Romans 3:5-6)

“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness , have not submitted to the righteousness of God.” (Romans 10:3)

“and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in, the righteousness which is from God by faith;” (Philippians 3:9)

“In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is the name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Jeremiah 23:6)

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.” (Proverbs 21:2)

“He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21)

“There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness.” (Proverbs 30:12)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

OTHER RELATABLE VERSES

We should live godly lives:

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that , denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,” (Titus 2:11-12)

When we abide in His Righteousness, then we are called righteous by HIM:

“Commit your ways to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.” (Psalm 37:5-6)

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2Corinthians 5:21)

The Righteous One is the Propitiation for our sins:

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” (1John 2:1)

His Righteousness is a shield for all who abide in Him:

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” (1Peter 3:14)

The most prominent cause for refusing to repent over one’s own righteousness is pride:

Also noteworthy is the relationship between pride and the law. Compare Philippians 3:9 with the following:

“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:21)

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:7)

“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 26:12)

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15)

“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

Both affirmation and rebuke, blessings and curses are revealed to man when he investigates and studies the Scriptures. Nevertheless, we need to heed God’s Word:

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and isa discerner of the thought and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

NKJV

Linzy has been writing for many years; seriously since her 3 kids were still young and inspirational. She has taken 2 courses in Bible studies and completed "Four Soils" Bible study course in a 26-month period; earning her certification in Bible Counselling.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

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