Believers are new creations, part of a holy generation. The Spirit of God lives in them, making them unlike the natural man. Yet, Christians are still sinners because of their imperfect nature, and they'll remain so until their earthly journey ends. Sin leaves marks even on our best efforts.

Sin taints our repentance before it’s completed by God's hand. Selfishness stains our tears, and unbelief mingles with our faith. Without Jesus’ merit, the best we do only adds to our sins. Even at our purest, we aren’t pure before God. Just as God saw folly in his angels, surely, he finds it in us too. The songs that reach heaven carry human flaws.

The prayer that moves God's arm is imperfect, only effective because the sinless Mediator takes away its sin. Our strongest faith and best holiness still contain imperfections deserving of the flames. Each night, we see a sinner in the mirror and must admit, "We're all unclean, and our righteousness is just filthy rags." How precious is Christ's blood to hearts like ours! His perfect righteousness is priceless.

How bright our hope for holiness in the future! Even now, though sin lives in us, its power is broken. Sin doesn't rule us; it's like a snake with a broken back. We battle fiercely against it, but it’s a defeated enemy. Soon, we will enter victoriously into the city where nothing can defile.