i know from experience that nobody wants to be tagged as a sinner, impure or unclean. of course, we may not be perfect but it is human nature to rebuke the thought of us as "bad" as we normally see ourselves as good most of the time (or according to our standards) and may be occassionally lacking in holiness sometimes.
and yet this is the very reason why we must celebrate. for it is because we are sinners that Christ was sent to give us the gift of Salvation. God sent Jesus to save us from all our sins. it is written:
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:10-13 NIV)
many of us are not humble enough to recognize the reality that we are all sinners - in our thoughts, in our speech, in our actions. we refuse to acknowledge that what we think, say or do actually is wrong. many people nowadays regard it as their own way or standard, therefore if applied to them should be alright. but that just doesn't make sense does it? because God clearly laid out His laws and if you break any of those commandments, you have sinned. therefore, you're a sinner. not even God's most beloved people, the Israelites, was able to keep all his commandments. and this is the very reason that Jesus came to redeem us. we cannot keep up to His standards that we need Jesus to be pure in the Father's eyes again because of Jesus.
i believe that people are good, simply because God made us so. what makes us otherwise are bad decisions - like the very first one made by Adam. we must not let Satan seduce our thoughts, speech or actions. i agree it is difficult to do what is godly because the world we live in does not respect His standards. but by defeating the temptations of this world, we are preparing our riches in His kingdom.
my friend, take the first step - admit that you are a sinner and receive Jesus Christ in your life as your Lord and Savior. You are then saved. The Lord will restore you in His likeness.
To God be the glory forever, Amen.
