Good Morning, welcome to your Friday fry up.
Matthew 5: 20 (NKJV)
For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
- If you are not experienced concerning the New Covenant established by Christ these are daunting verses that would make you think “how on earth can I match them or their righteousness?”
- It would also leave you thinking “I have no chance of entering the kingdom of God, I cannot equal the religious performance of the Pharisee and scribe”.
Good news (the gospel)
If you have placed your faith in Jesus as your Lord and saviour you have not just equalled it but actually abundantly exceeded it.
Remember
The key is to remember that there are two covenants which represent two types of righteousness, man-made and God made. We do not stand as the Pharisee did and still sadly does in a man-made performance based righteousness, rather with a righteousness which is inherent (achieved and given by God).
Our righteousness is the result of faith, faith placed in the perfect redeeming finished work of another, Jesus.
Today our righteousness (that which is by faith) exceeds that of the Pharisee qualifying us perfectly for justification and entrance into the kingdom of God, because it is based not on our daily performance or ability to keep the law of Moses but on the performance and of Jesus to justify, when we stand in this righteousness we stand secure, forgiven and excepted.
He has qualified you to stand before Him and to enter into His kingdom again today, that’s something to smile about.
Bless you big time
Andy
A devotional by Pastor Andy Elmes to inspire you with a godly thought to start your day well. God’s word is indeed the breakfast of champions.
Great Big Life
Empowering People
Andy Elmes
Pastor & Leadership Coach
UK Office:
PO BOX 240
Southsea
PO2 7YE.
+ 44 (0) 2392 342592
