“I remember the scripture that said that our righteousness is as filthy... (filthy rags)”
Pastor William McDowell teaches that our true inheritance is God Himself — intimate, present communion with the Father made possible by Christ's redemption and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Conviction and even judgment are reframed as evidence of God's nearness and loving pursuit, and holiness is presented not as a list of rules but as the natural fruit of living in God's presence. The sermon issues an invitation to 'remove' whatever hinders intimacy with God and to pursue the present and future reality of the kingdom.
“we are all like an unclean thing and all our righteousness are like filthy rags”
Using the parable of the king's wedding (Matthew 22:1-14), the sermon argues that physical proximity, attendance, or religious language does not equal true surrender to Christ — believers must 'put on' the gift of the king (the wedding garment, i.e., Christ's righteousness) by genuine faith and obedience. The message calls listeners to respond to God's invitation now, warns against distraction, pride, and self-righteousness, and urges active evangelism to bring others in from the 'highways.'
“The Bible says that our righteousness is as a filthy rags.”
Executive Pastor Banks preaches that believers are God’s masterpiece—saved by grace and created for good works—calling listeners to receive God’s purpose, resist the enemy’s deceptions, and respond in faith through obedience, worship, prayer, baptism, and service.
“Quotation/paraphrase: 'our righteousness is like filthy rags.'”
A reflection on Jesus' parable contrasting the self-righteous Pharisee and the humble tax collector, emphasizing that God values an honest, humble heart over outward religious performance and that true justification comes through humility and dependence on God's mercy.
Showing the 4 most recent — 1 more sermon in church libraries reference this verse.
