DO OUR EFFORTS PRODUCE SALVATION OR ARE THEY EVIDENCE OF IT? [1 of 2] Warning, God’s graphic language: Our efforts (works) do not produce salvation; instead, they are evidence of it. Let me illustrate that idea with the original Hebrew definition, but I will warn you that God is being graphic here about how our works, to try achieving salvation for ourselves, greatly offend His holiness. The Hebrew term “filthy rags” is quite strong. The word “filthy” is a translation of the Hebrew word “iddah,” which literally means “the bodily fluids from a woman's menstrual cycle.” And we know what rags are, so this description of bloody rags refers to every cult and religion that prescribes works to make it to heaven, which includes every faith outside biblical Christianity—yes, every single one—because they all claim their followers have to earn there way to that faith’s good afterlife. This often includes volunteer work done for the organization, like recruiting new members, as well as donating a lot of money over many years. These false faiths teach things like getting to heaven by going to the weekend services, refraining from pork, or worshipping on Saturday. They claim those personal efforts will get you salvation through your own efforts, but God sees those organization’s prescribed works for what they are: each of those ill-advised efforts—to add to or circumvent salvation through Jesus alone—is like you tossing another filthy menstrual rags in front of God's holy throne. Advocating works to get yourself to heaven is like throwing a bloody rag in front of a holy, holy, holy God. And it's not me saying that, God said it. Why is God giving us such a graphic picture? "These 'righteous acts' are considered by God as repugnant as a soiled feminine hygiene product." God is saying—Excuse me?!—my son's blood was shed for you, yet you have the audacity to claim you will somehow get to heaven through your own efforts.