How do we know that we need cleansing from sin?

A person becomes aware of their need for cleansing when the Holy Spirit blesses the Word of God to their heart, revealing the truth of their sinful nature. The Scriptures indicate that all have sinned and are in need of redemption (Isaiah 64:6). It is by grappling with God's holiness and our inherent uncleanliness that we come to recognize our plight as sinners in need of grace. When we take heed to God's Word, we become conscious of both our moral failures and the holiness of God, prompting a call for cleansing through Christ's atoning work.