What does it mean that our best deeds are like filthy rags?

The metaphor of our best deeds being like filthy rags serves to highlight the intrinsic imperfection of human efforts in the sight of a holy God. As the sermon states, even our best intentions are tainted by sin and therefore cannot contribute to our justification. Instead, it is the righteousness of Christ, imputed to believers, that is accepted by God. This doctrine emphasizes the necessity of relying wholly on God’s grace and the complete work of Christ, rather than any merit derived from our actions.