It’s difficult to appreciate just how good the good news truly is without first working through the bad news. Part of that was the responsibility of John the Baptist. He prepared the way for the good news of Jesus Christ by preaching repentance, which meant bringing to the forefront the bad news of sin. Some readily receive the bad news that they are sinners, which prepare them to receive the good news of complete forgiveness and the gift of righteousness. But some reject the good news of Jesus Christ because they reject the reality that they are sinners. In their self-righteousness, they are unable to believe, receive, and respond.