The founder and General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Accra, Ghana, Pastor Dr. Mensah Otabil, has delivered a profound message on the futility of self-righteousness and human efforts in covering spiritual nakedness.
Speaking at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Holy Ghost Congress, Dr. Otabil emphasized that no achievement – whether academic, creative, or personal – can hide our sinfulness before God. He declared that only the righteousness of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself for our sins, can truly cover us.
Drawing from Genesis 3:7-13, he recounted how Adam and Eve, after disobeying God, became aware of their nakedness and attempted to cover themselves with fig leaves. This, he explained, represents humanity’s flawed attempts to mask sin with personal effort, achievements, or morality.
“Whenever a person sins, their eyes open to what they have done. You don’t need anyone to tell you; sin itself will convict you,” Dr. Otabil stated. “But you cannot cover yourself with fig leaves – your own strength, intelligence, or good works. The only covering that truly works is the righteousness of Jesus Christ.”
He cautioned that many believers rely on their abilities and self-righteousness instead of accepting Christ’s gift of righteousness. Using the life of Steve Jobs, the Apple co-founder, as an example, he pointed out that even the greatest inventors and thinkers cannot escape the reality of God.
“Steve Jobs, a man who transformed technology, lived much of his life as if God did not exist. Towards the end, he began to question, saying, ‘Maybe there is a God, maybe there isn’t.’ But no matter how many iPads he invented, none could cover his nakedness before God. Only Christ can.”
Dr. Otabil highlighted that when God came to Adam and Eve in the Garden, He did not rush to punish them but walked, symbolizing His patience and willingness to give them a chance to repent.
He urged believers to stop depending on personal efforts and instead embrace the righteousness of Jesus Christ. He concluded with a charge:
“Without Christ, we can do nothing effectively. The only true covering is found in Jesus. Will you accept it?”
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