But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6 KJV

Isaiah was one of God’s great prophets. He was sent to the people of Israel to speak for the Lord. His prophecies were remarkably accurate as he describes the falling away from God and restoration to righteousness.

What does this scripture mean? We agree that we are all sinners as Isaiah said, “an unclean thing.” But what does he mean, saying “our righteousnesses are as filthy rags?” This concerns our actions being motivated by our sinful nature.

Looking Good vs. Being Good

Christ said in Matthew 23:27-28, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. KJV” 

Jesus exposed the false righteousness of the religious leaders of that day. Sometimes we can appear right but still be motivated by our sinful nature, looking good but not really being good.

When Isaiah says that we fade as a leaf, he is writing about our sinful nature again. From the day we are born, our bodies are slated for death because of our sinful nature. The flesh is corrupt, and the wages of sin are death as we have read. Our sin, like the wind, takes us away from the Lord and his righteousness.

The Righteousness of Christ

God, in his mercy, sent Jesus to do what we cannot do. His righteous acts were pure and holy. He accepted the wrath of God on the cross and died for our sins. When we accept him as Savior, we are freed from sin and live in his righteousness. As filthy rags cannot wash themselves, we cannot save ourselves. Only the Lord can accomplish this for us through his grace. Praise God! We are saved and live in Jesus Christ.

Yesterday’s Devotional: That Which Is to Come