This is a harsh truth. But as I search my heart and realize it’s a true truth.
Why is that?
Because we all have turned away.
Because hearts everywhere are corrupt.
Because no one does what’s right all the time.
Sure, there are people around who are worse than me, but the standard isn’t them, the standard isn’t even me.
The standard is perfect obedience and righteousness.
So I’m out – and so are you.
But this is why grace is so amazing.
It’s not like God saw us trying hard and failing.
It’s not like God admired us getting so close and just missing out.
No. It’s while we we’re far away, that God intervened and brought us near.
It’s while we were his enemies, that Jesus died for us.
So if we take the time to think about it – we might conclude – that there is no greater love than this.
God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good,not even one.
— Psalm 53:2-3