For I tell you that
unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of
the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:20)
Pharisees were well-known and respected in their
communities for their diligent study of scripture, lengthy prayer life and
strict adherence to religious rituals and ceremonies.
In other words, they read the bible often, spent hours in
prayer and fasting, and never missed a church service.
But none of that impressed Jesus because He knew true
righteousness came from within and not in the slightest bit based on outward
behavior.
If outward behavior did matter, Jesus would have praised
the Pharisees for their faithfulness and commitment. After all, their life of sacrifice and piety
had to be worth something…right?
Nope, not unless you think being called a brood of vipers
and whitewashed tombs are compliments.
Instead, Jesus used Pharisees as an example of what not to
be like.
So if the Pharisees were so low down on the religious
scale, what hope do you and I have to meet that high standard of
righteousness? None.
But that was exactly Jesus’ point. All the good works and effort in the world
will not make us righteous, not even a little bit. True righteousness can only come from one
source – Jesus.
Romans 5:19 says “For
just as through the disobedience of the one man (Adam) the many were made
sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man (Jesus) the many will be
made righteous.”
Our righteousness is solely based on what Jesus imputed
(credited) to us, never on our conduct.
As a child of God, you can’t improve upon the righteousness
you already have in Christ, so stop trying and heed the words of your Savior
who said "Come to me, all you who are
weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
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