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 NKJV

If you are eating, you might want to read or listen to this one a little later. Leviticus chapter 15 speaks of the laws concerning bodily discharges. This included female’s menstrual cycles. When someone was having any type of bodily discharge, they were considered unclean. Anything they touched was considered unclean.

They were to be set apart from everyone else for a certain amount of time. This uncleanliness affected those around them and this is the purpose of them being set apart. It’s kind of like how our sin has a ripple effect.

In our Scripture passing for today, Isaiah is including himself in this uncleanliness and an unworthiness to be in God’s presence because of our sin. Romans 3:23 tells us for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. In Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah also included himself when he said, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, everyone, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah used the imagery of menstrual cloth used during those days to present a picture of uncleanness. Even the best behavior of unbelievers is considered unclean.

So, how do we go from being as filthy rags to being righteous. You often see Christians wearing shirts or having bumper stickers that say, “I’m not perfect, just forgiven.” Well, as mere mortals, we can never be perfect without Christ. We will not reach that perfection here on earth but will be perfected when we get to heaven.

Jesus gives these instructions to the rich young rulers in Matthew 19:21 when he says, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; come and follow me.” Jesus wasn’t saying we have to sell all we have, but he knew this rich young ruler valued material goods more than he valued following Christ. We must value our relationship with Christ above all other things or people.

James 1:1-4 speaks of considering it joy to go through trials because testing of our faith produces endurance. In verse 4, he says, “But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete lacking nothing.” As we live on earth, we should be practicing and striving for perfection.

When we are truly saved, we want to please God. We don’t want to sin. We want to be cleansed from our sins. Thankfully God will do that, all we need to do is ask. We are told in 1 John 1:9 if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We cannot attain righteousness on our own because we are human beings. We make mistakes. Praise God, Jesus paid the price for our sin. We can come to Him and He will intercede for us. We can confess our sin and be forgiven. Jesus’ blood washes us white as snow.

We are all like filthy rags, but through Christ we can be cleaned. Through Christ we can be redeemed. Through Christ we can trade our unrighteousness for the riches of heaven. Turn to Him today. Surrender your life to Him and ask Him to make you clean.

This is how the Christian goes from filthy rags to riches.

Have a great day!