9 Sep 2014
Matthew 5:20
Matthew 5:20: “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
This verse is critically important. You see, the Pharisees were self-righteous; they believed that since they were children of Abraham, and since they led such good lives, they deserved entrance into Heaven. They had outward obedience but inward corruption. They looked good but were desperately evil, and the Lord condemned them.
Jesus is telling us that no amount of self-righteousness will do us any good. You may think you are leading the most upright and amazing life, but in God’s sight your righteousness is utterly depraved and worthless. You simply cannot be good enough to merit salvation. No amount of works on your part will ever do the least bit of good or earn you the smallest amount of holiness.
What God wants is not self-righteous boasting, but a repentant heart. Those who cry out to Jesus for mercy and forgiveness will be given righteousness. That is the only righteousness that will ever be good enough, because God rejects all those who try to come to God in their own good deeds. Righteousness is a free gift from God; it cannot be earned. If you have not come to Jesus for righteousness then you do not have righteousness at all.