It is bad theology and bad exegeses to assume the righteous deeds alluded to in Isaiah 64:6 are the full story for Christians. Let’s look at the context of this verse and compare with other verses.
You welcome those who gladly do good
who follow godly ways.
But you have been very angry with us,
for we are not godly.
We are constant sinners;
how can people like us be saved?
We are all infected and impure with sin.
When we display our righteous deeds,
they are nothing but filthy rags.
Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall,
and our sins sweep us away like the wind.
(Isaiah 64:5-6 NLT)
This verse highlights the concept of human sinfulness and the inadequacy of human efforts to attain righteousness before God. Here are some key points to consider:
- Human Sinfulness: The verse emphasizes that, in our natural state, all humans are tainted by sin. Even our best efforts are compared to “filthy rags” when viewed in the light of God’s perfect holiness.
- Need for God’s Grace: The verse underscores the need for divine grace and mercy. Since human righteousness falls short, it points to the necessity of God’s intervention through Jesus Christ. Salvation and righteousness are received through faith in Christ, not through human works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Pleasing God: While Isaiah 64:6 stresses the insufficiency of human righteousness, it does not mean that God is never pleased with our righteous works. Once a person is saved and made righteous through Christ, their works can be pleasing to God. Ephesians 2:10 states that we are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to do.
- Role of Good Works: Good works are a response to God’s grace and a demonstration of genuine faith. James 2:17 teaches that faith without works is dead. While works do not earn salvation, they are a natural outflow of a transformed life in Christ.
In summary, Isaiah 64:6 highlights the insufficiency of human righteousness apart from God’s grace. However, for those who are in Christ, their righteous works, done in faith and obedience, are pleasing to God and are part of their calling as believers.
Digging Deeper
- The sin of stubbornness (arrogance) – If you reject Jesus Christ and continue in the sin of stubbornness with the devil, it will eventually lead to bondage.
- Biblical Christianity vs Religion of Humanism – Biblical Christianity and Religion of Humanism have incompatible world views on God, human nature, morality, and human reasoning.
- What about self-righteousness? (the damnable sin of justifying yourself) – Self-righteousness is the sin of justifying yourself through pride in yourself and accomplishments or by hiding your inadequacy and failures.
- A form of godliness (show of religion, piety, holiness, outward righteousness) – Understand: they will act religious, they will appear to have a godly life, they will have a form of godliness, but denying the power: from such turn away.