The Pharisee was standing and praying like this about himself: “God, I thank you that I’m not like other people #– #greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
he saved us #– #not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy #– #through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
And he told them, ‘You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly admired by people is revolting in God’s sight.
They say, “Keep to yourself, don’t come near me, for I am too holy for you! ” These practices are smoke in my nostrils, a fire that burns all day long.
And some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has set us free from our sins by his blood,