[metmom]

Luke 18:9-14 9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Nothing we can add to faith can help. It didn't help the Pharisee. He sure enough believed in God, but his trust was in his works and good deeds, which he added to his faith.

The tax collector threw himself on the mercy of the court and went away pardoned.

That's what God wants us to do. Recognize that we CAN'T do it ourselves and that there's nothing we can add. He wants total dependence on Him and that means giving up any idea that we can contribute or help.

He wants to clothe us in fine linen, the righteousness of Christ and here men come along with all their righteous deeds which are as filthy rags in His sight, thinking that it's going to somehow help.

How ludicrous.

[boatbums]

He wants to clothe us in fine linen, the righteousness of Christ and here men come along with all their righteous deeds which are as filthy rags in His sight, thinking that it's going to somehow help.

I agree. The bride of Christ will be spotless, and clothed in pure, white linen. But the clothing will be from him because he clothes us in HIS righteousness. The amazing thing is that, though because of our sins we are like scarlet, he will make us white as snow. Though we be like crimson, we shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18) By covering us in his own blood, we will be purified and made holy. What amazing grace!