A greater righteousness
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 you have, that was established by Christ for you, these are daunting verses that would make you think, "How on earth can I match them (the Pharisee) 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, can I?"
Good news (the gospel)
If you have placed your faith in Jesus as your Lord and saviour you have not just equalled it but have actually abundantly exceeded it.
Remember
The key is to remember that there are two covenants (agreements) which represent two types of righteousness: man-made and God-made. We do not stand as the Pharisee did, and still sadly does today, in a mere man-made performance-based righteousness. Rather, we stand with a righteousness which is inherent (achieved and given to us as a gift by God). Our righteousness is the result of faith, and faith alone; faith placed in the perfect, redeeming, finished work of another – Jesus. It is placed in the fact that everything He came to do and achieve two thousand years ago He did; not just did but completed perfectly.
Today our righteousness far exceeds that of the Pharisee because it is the righteousness of Christ given to us. It qualifies us to enter into the kingdom because it is based not on our daily varying performance or ability but on the perfect performance of Jesus to justify. When we stand in this righteousness we stand secure, forgiven and accepted.
He has qualified (done all the work for) you to stand before Him and to enter into His kingdom again today. Thanks be to Jesus, our righteousness revealed.
Bless you big time,
Andy
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