HE spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, Both not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Luke’s Gospel. Chapter 15, Verse 3 to 7
The lost sheep is the “bad man”: and it was the lost sheep that the Shepherd found, and brought home. The ninety and nine left in the wilderness, who never were lost, are the “good men.” If the good man trusts in his own goodness, he will go to hell, for his goodness is not good enough for Heaven. The bad man who says “God be merciful to me a sinner” is “justified”, and will surely go to Heaven.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
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All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.
(Note, This is not our BAD deeds, but our GOOD ones).