We know that God forgives the sins of those who confess to him (1 John 1:9). We know that none of us would seek God unless God put it in our hearts to seek him (John 6:44,55; Romans 3:11; Hebrews 12:1-2). We know that God the Father, through the working of Jesus and the Holy Spirit are working in us to make us into the image of Christ (Hebrew 10:14, 13:20; Romans 8:28-29; Philippians 2:13).
Yet we too have a responsibility to cleans ourselves. Paul writes to Timothy, "if anyone cleanses himself of the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work" (2 Timothy 2:21). He write to those in Philippi, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). John writes that those who look for Christ to return to purify themselves (1 John 3:1-3).
Jesus prayed that we would be one with him and the Father (John 17:20-23). Since they are righteous, then we too seek righteousness.
