Why Can’t Mitzvahs, Prayer, Repentance Bring Peace?

1. What is God’s estimate of self-effort?
   Isaiah 64:6 “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags . . .”

2. Did God try to find a righteous man with Mitzvahs (good works)?
   Psalm 53:2-3 “God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Everyone of them is gone back; they are altogether become filthy. There is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

3. What is the twofold result of sin?
   1. Separation from God
      Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
   2. Spiritual death
      Ezekiel 18:20 “The soul that sinneth, it shall die . . .”

David M. Levy is a Bible teacher, author, former pastor, and the retired director of International Ministries for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry.