Isaiah 57:12

12 Now I will expose your so-called good deeds. None of them will help you.

Isaiah 57:12 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 57:12

I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works
For, notwithstanding all the idolatry, superstition, irreligion, and cruelty of the church of Rome, she makes large pretences to righteousness, by which she expects to be justified, and to merit eternal life, and even pretends to works of supererogation; but God will in due time make it clearly appear, both by the ministry of his faithful servants, which he has done in part already; and by his judgments that he will execute, that she has no righteousness; that what she calls so is no righteousness, but wickedness; and that her works she calls good works are bad ones, superstitious, idolatrous, and tyrannical: for they shall not profit thee;
secure from judgment here, or from wrath to come; nor justify before God, nor procure salvation and eternal life; but, on the contrary, shall bring deserved ruin and destruction, here and hereafter.

Isaiah 57:12 In-Context

10 You grew weary in your search, but you never gave up. Desire gave you renewed strength, and you did not grow weary.

11 “Are you afraid of these idols? Do they terrify you? Is that why you have lied to me and forgotten me and my words? Is it because of my long silence that you no longer fear me?

12 Now I will expose your so-called good deeds. None of them will help you.

13 Let’s see if your idols can save you when you cry to them for help. Why, a puff of wind can knock them down! If you just breathe on them, they fall over! But whoever trusts in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain.”

14 God says, “Rebuild the road! Clear away the rocks and stones so my people can return from captivity.”