This is an important question for Christians to understand. The phrase “filthy rags” comes from Isaiah 64:6, which says: “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” This verse teaches that even our most righteous deeds are worthless for earning salvation. Our good works cannot save us or make us right before God. But why is that?
The Problem of Sin
The reason our righteous acts are like filthy rags is because of the pervasive effects of sin. When Adam and Eve sinned, humanity fell from God’s perfect standard (Genesis 3:6-7). This introduced sin, imperfection, and moral corruption into the human heart and condition. As a result, all people are now considered sinners before God (Romans 3:23). Our nature has been corrupted by sin, such that even good, moral, and righteous acts flow from a heart corrupted by sin.
The prophet Jeremiah describes the human heart as “deceitful above all things, and desperately sick” (Jeremiah 17:9). Jesus also affirmed this, saying, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander” (Matthew 15:19). Because our hearts are corrupted by sin, all our righteous deeds and moral efforts are tainted by sin and imperfection as well. We may do “good” works, but they flow from an impure heart.
God’s Perfect Standard
Not only do our righteous acts come from an impure heart, but God’s standard is absolute moral perfection. Scripture tells us repeatedly that God is holy (Isaiah 6:3) and righteous (Psalm 119:137). He cannot tolerate or look upon sin (Habakkuk 1:13). Even the smallest sin condemns us before Him. James 2:10 states, “Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” God’s law and standard is flawless, so even “mostly good” is not good enough before Him.
God tells us straightforwardly that all people have sinned and fall short of His perfect standard (Romans 3:23). Even those who live very moral and upright lives still have the stain of sin upon them in God’s eyes. That is why our righteous deeds are worthless for earning salvation or justification before God. We can never measure up to His flawless standard of holiness through our own efforts.
The Necessity of Grace
Thankfully, the Bible teaches that what we cannot earn for ourselves, God gives to us by His grace. Salvation comes not through our own good works, but by God’s mercy and grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus lived the sinless life that we could not live and died in our place, paying the penalty for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21). When we repent and believe in Christ, His perfect righteousness is credited to us (Romans 4:5-6). By grace we are declared righteous, not because of our deeds, but because of Christ’s finished work on our behalf.
This is the glory of the gospel message. Our righteous acts are worthless, but Christ’s life and sacrifice are of infinite value for all who trust in Him. Our filthy rags of righteousness are replaced by Christ’s perfect robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). Once we are covered in His righteousness, our good works are finally pleasing and acceptable to God, because they arise from our new nature in Christ (Hebrews 13:20-21). But the good news starts with recognizing the bankruptcy of our own righteousness apart from Christ.
Key Bible Verses
Here are some key Bible verses that teach why our righteous deeds are unacceptable before God:
- Isaiah 64:6 – All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
- Romans 3:10 – As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one.”
- Hebrews 10:14 – For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
- Philippians 3:9 – And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
- Romans 4:5-6 – However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works.
Common Objections
Some common objections arise regarding the idea that our own righteous acts are worthless to earn salvation. Here are some responses:
But doesn’t the Bible teach salvation by works?
Some verses taken out of context seem to suggest salvation by works, like Matthew 19:17 where Jesus says, “If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” But the whole counsel of Scripture reveals that no one can earn their way to heaven (Romans 3:20). Keeping commandments flows from salvation but does not produce it. Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Good works serve as evidence, not the basis of salvation.
Doesn’t this discourage people from doing good?
Actually, it encourages humility and reliance on Christ’s work rather than our own efforts. Understanding salvation by grace motivates grateful service, not license to sin (Titus 2:11-14). We are still called to obedience and good works, but they are a fruit of salvation, not the root. Holiness is important as an expression of love and thankfulness.
But what about verses on works-based judgment?
Some verses speak of judgment by works (Matthew 16:27). But these refer to gracious rewards, not how one earns salvation. Our works as believers will be tested and rewarded, but not merit salvation. The basis of our standing before God is Christ’s perfect work alone.
Implications and Applications
Recognizing that our own righteousness is filthy rags yields several important implications:
- It produces humility. We have nothing to boast in before God (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).
- It exalts Christ. His perfect righteousness is our only hope of acceptance before God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
- It magnifies grace. What we could not earn, God freely gives (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- It motivates gratitude. Our service flows from thankfulness, not seeking merit (Romans 12:1).
- It instills assurance. Our standing depends on Christ, not fluctuating works (1 John 5:11-13).
- It encourages obedience. We live holy lives to honor Christ out of love (John 14:15).
This truth should give us great joy and assurance. We trust in Christ’s righteousness, not our own deeds. Our feeble efforts please God only through the merit of Jesus. Clothed in His righteousness, we can approach God with confidence and serve Him with gratitude. Our righteous acts may be filthy rags, but His grace covers all our sin.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible teaches that all our righteous deeds are like filthy rags before God because of the pervasive effects of sin. Even our best acts flow from a heart corrupted by sin and fall short of God’s perfect standard. Thankfully, the gospel provides the righteousness we lack through faith in Christ. His perfect life and sacrifice make us acceptable before God by grace, not our own efforts. This truth provides comfort, assurance, and motivation to live in a manner pleasing to God out of love and gratitude, not an attempt to earn righteousness for ourselves. We joyfully rest our hope in Christ alone, knowing our feeble works could never measure up on their own.
