The gospel is not good news unless we first of all appreciate that we are sinners…It is the Bible's way. In order to grow up, we need to grow down. In order to be exalted, we must first be abased. In order to appreciate the gospel, we must first appreciate sin. In order for reformation to advance, sin must be confessed and rooted out.1
Derek W. H. Thomas
1 While Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, a very great assembly of men, women, and children, gathered to him out of Israel, for the people wept bitterly.