Two men were talking not long after they had become Christians. One was a poor man from a godless background; the other was from an affluent religious environment. After each man told of his conversion, the man with the religious background asked the other, "Why do you suppose you responded the first time you heard the gospel, while so many years passed before I did?"

The poor man answered, "That's easy. Suppose someone came along and offered to give each of us a brand-new suit. I'd jump at the offer. My clothes are old and worn. But your closet is no doubt filled with the finest of suits. That's the way it is with salvation. You were probably satisfied with all your goodness, so it took you a long time to see the need for God's garment of righteousness offered to you through Christ. But I was deeply aware of my sinful condition, and I was eager to receive forgiveness and cleansing."

All people desperately need to be saved. Isaiah said that "all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags" (64:6). Those who recognize their spiritual poverty and accept the priceless gift of salvation that comes through faith in Christ are given "new clothes" of righteousness.

What are you wearing?  — Richard De Haan