...For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones...

- Matthew 23:27

Each year prior to the Passover, the tombs were whitewashed and Jesus used this as an illustration that what we see on the outside does not always line up with the inward being. He condemned those steeped in religion who always made sure they gave the appearance of being upright, respectable and successful but inwardly their lives were full of pride and self-righteousness. These are the ones who condemned others while failing to acknowledge their own personal sin. A young missionary from our church has been called of God to London where she has been leading prostitutes on the street to faith in Jesus Christ. There will be more harlots, adulterers, thieves and drunkards in heaven than those who are proud that they are not like them. Such is the lot of the spiritually proud who are really spiritually dead. We can be thankful that as believers who have come to Christ with nothing to offer and fully convicted of our sin, we do not have to act religious or put on a spiritual front. By the grace of God we can be just who we are in Christ Jesus. Be encouraged!

References: Matthew 23:27