In his wisdom, the Lord sent to the world of wayward humanity a forerunner, John the Baptist, with a message of repentance of sin to prepare them to cry out to Jesus Christ the Savior for forgiveness. This preparation of heart was absolutely essential to their understanding in their sincere appeal for forgiveness for their restoration before God. Honest confession is necessary.

This parable of Jesus in Luke 18:10-14 offers a clear example for all of us who desire to be approved by the holy Judge: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’