“O Lord, God of Israel, you are just. We come before you in our guilt as nothing but an escaped remnant, though in such a condition none of us can stand in your presence” (Ezra 9:15 NLT)

When Ezra arrived in Jerusalem with offerings for the Temple, he discovered that many of the priests and leaders had led the people into sin. In response, he tore his clothes, pulled out his beard and prayed a prayer of repentance. In his prayer, he spoke of the reality that their “condition” of guilt prevented them from standing in God’s presence. This sad reality continued until the Lord Jesus offered Himself on the cross for our sins and the Temple curtain separating us from a holy God was rent. Our “condition” of sin, separation and death was placed upon Christ, while His righteousness, Sonship, and life were ascribed to us who believe.