What does it mean that our righteousness is as filthy rags?

In Isaiah 64:6, the prophet states that our righteousness is as filthy rags, emphasizing the idea that not only is our sinfulness pronounced, but our attempts to be righteous apart from God are equally defiled. This reflects a key tenet of sovereign grace theology, which asserts that human efforts cannot attain the holiness required by God. The phrase illustrates the contrast between human righteousness and the perfect holiness of God. Consequently, without the redeeming work of Christ, who is the only perfect substitute, all our efforts at righteousness are ultimately unacceptable before a holy God.