Frequently, the Bible exhorts fallen men to conversion. This invitation is especially apparent in the penitential teachings of the prophets, of John the Baptist, and of Jesus and His apostles. But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.‘ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.“ Before faith came, we were held in custody under law, confined for the faith that was to be revealed.  Consequently, the law was our disciplinarian  for Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a disciplinarian.