Your righteousness is your way to heaven

Goodhuman

Well-Known Member
Jan 7, 2020
568
214
dfgdfsgdf
✟58,992.00
Country
Cambodia
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
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 is said about your righteousness, this means you must be very righteous to enter heaven.

The scribes and Pharisees was very righteous too, they give 10% of their income, fasting, praying, going to church, keeping the ten commandments and God's law, reading scripture, preaching, being good and righteous, doing good, had virtues, had Holy Spirit but was not enough righteous to enter heaven. Also being priest does not give you heaven, you remember that Jesus was catch by the servants of the high priests. Your righteousness is your way to heaven.
 
Last edited:

Shrewd Manager

Through him, in all things, more than conquerors.
Supporter
Aug 16, 2019
4,167
4,081
Melbourne
✟364,409.00
Country
Australia
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
It's a beautiful scripture, that's for sure.

And hearing it would have shocked the Jewish audience at the time, who no doubt were used to looking up to the Pharisees as paragons of righteousness.

But Jesus reveals otherwise, as he teaches that righteousness is an attitude of the heart to love God and our neighbour, and not mere appearances and lip-service to the law.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves. (Mt 23:15)

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.
(Mt 23:27)

Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. (Lk 11:42)

So I say thank you Lord for revealing that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand and the righteous path is not so very far from mortal man.
 
Upvote 0

eleos1954

God is Love
Supporter
Nov 14, 2017
9,638
5,588
Utah
✟709,653.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Others
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 is said about your righteousness, this means you must be very righteous to enter heaven.

The scribes and Pharisees was very righteous too, they give 10% of their income, fasting, praying, going to church, keeping the ten commandments and God's law, reading scripture, preaching, being good and righteous, doing good, had virtues, had Holy Spirit but was not enough righteous to enter heaven. Also being priest does not give you heaven, you remember that Jesus was catch by the servants of the high priests. Your righteousness is your way to heaven.

Without Jesus no one has righteousness .... He applies His righteousness to us when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior and live according to His teachings.

2 Corinthians
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Isaiah 64:6
We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—
 
Upvote 0

fhansen

Oldbie
Sep 3, 2011
13,865
3,522
✟319,762.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
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 is said about your righteousness, this means you must be very righteous to enter heaven.

The scribes and Pharisees was very righteous too, they give 10% of their income, fasting, praying, going to church, keeping the ten commandments and God's law, reading scripture, preaching, being good and righteous, doing good, had virtues, had Holy Spirit but was not enough righteous to enter heaven. Also being priest does not give you heaven, you remember that Jesus was catch by the servants of the high priests. Your righteousness is your way to heaven.
Properly understood this is correct. We’re justified (made righteous) by faith because faith is the doorway to direct relationship with God who, alone, can make us just or righteous. Man was never created to be a sinner and yet we cannot refrain from sin unless this vital relationship, a communion that we were made for, is intact. “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 And were born apart from Him, “born dead” so to speak, not knowing God.
I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
No longer will they teach their neighbor,
or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the Lord.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.
” Jer 31:33-34

The name of this righteousness that fulfills the Law is love, which is why the greatest commandments are what they are. Love is given us, even if only in seedling form, as we enter this fellowship with God and are made new creations. We must then remain in Him and He in us whereby this virtue which reflects His very nature will be tested, challenged, exercised, stretched, refined, and hopefully grown.

And this relationship is made possible by Jesus, who came to reconcile us with the Father by revealing His true “face”. Every word and every deed of His was aimed at that purpose. Because as we come to know God: His existence, His trustworthiness, uncompromising goodness, mercy, and love, we come to believe in Him and then to love Him.
Now this is eternal life: that they know you,the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.“ John 17:3

To truly know God is to love Him-and to begin to love neighbor as He does. To the extent that we do so our justice/righteousness is complete. And then we’ll be judged on that love.
 
Upvote 0

1213

Disciple of Jesus
Jul 14, 2011
3,661
1,117
Visit site
✟146,199.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
...The scribes and Pharisees was very righteous too, they give 10% of their income, fasting, praying, going to church, keeping the ten commandments and God's law, reading scripture, preaching, being good and righteous,...

By what the Bible tells, they were hypocrites, outwardly they obeyed the law, but inside was full of unrighteousness. They did all those things, not because they thought it was good and right, but to look good outwardly.

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and unrighteousness. You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that the outside of it may become clean also. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Matt. 23:25-28

For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments, and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called 'Rabbi, Rabbi' by men. ...
Mat. 23:4-12

Righteousness means wisdom of the just. When person has that, he wants to do what is right, not because he tries to gain earthly benefits, but because he understands it is good and wants to do good and right freely, and because he loves God. Even small righteous act is great, if it is done with right motives.
 
Upvote 0

truthisfreedom2019

Active Member
Feb 28, 2019
113
77
59
Chetwynd
✟158,088.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
It's a beautiful scripture, that's for sure.

And hearing it would have shocked the Jewish audience at the time, who no doubt were used to looking up to the Pharisees as paragons of righteousness.

But Jesus reveals otherwise, as he teaches that righteousness is an attitude of the heart to love God and our neighbour, and not mere appearances and lip-service to the law.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves. (Mt 23:15)

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.
(Mt 23:27)

Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. (Lk 11:42)

So I say thank you Lord for revealing that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand and the righteous path is not so very far from mortal man.


I agree,

As Jesus said, the Scribes and Pharisees looked and acted righteous (outwardly).

Actions mean nothing if it is not done in love, the Scribes and Pharisees' actions were great but their hearts/lack of love is what condemned them. God knows where each person's heart is even if they act or try to look righteous.

Delight yourself in the Lord ; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light And your judgment as the noonday.
Psalms 37:4‭-‬6 NASB
 
Upvote 0

Shrewd Manager

Through him, in all things, more than conquerors.
Supporter
Aug 16, 2019
4,167
4,081
Melbourne
✟364,409.00
Country
Australia
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
I agree,

As Jesus said, the Scribes and Pharisees looked and acted righteous (outwardly).

Actions mean nothing if it is not done in love, the Scribes and Pharisees' actions were great but their hearts/lack of love is what condemned them. God knows where each person's heart is even if they act or try to look righteous.

Delight yourself in the Lord ; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light And your judgment as the noonday.
Psalms 37:4‭-‬6 NASB

We need to be bathing daily in Lamb's blood and continually drinking from the cup that never runs dry to keep the thorns from intruding, the birds from eating and the sun from scorching, so that we might come in and go out and find pasture.

The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. (Pro 27:26)
 
Upvote 0

Danthemailman

Well-Known Member
Jul 18, 2017
3,664
2,799
Midwest
✟300,781.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
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 is said about your righteousness, this means you must be very righteous to enter heaven.

The scribes and Pharisees was very righteous too, they give 10% of their income, fasting, praying, going to church, keeping the ten commandments and God's law, reading scripture, preaching, being good and righteous, doing good, had virtues, had Holy Spirit but was not enough righteous to enter heaven. Also being priest does not give you heaven, you remember that Jesus was catch by the servants of the high priests. Your righteousness is your way to heaven.
In regards to Matthew 5:20 - "unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven," this statement from Jesus would come as a shock to the multitude of people who had great admiration of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, for their knowledge of the law and seeming righteousness and holiness in external observance of the law, yet Jesus points out their righteousness was defective.

Paul makes it clear in Romans 10:3-4, "For they (Israel) being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."

We see in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector an example of those who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, yet despised others. (Luke 18:9-14) We also see this today with various modern day Pharisees. The righteousness that exceeds the "righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees" (self righteousness) is the righteousness of God which is from God by faith.

Philippians 3:9 - and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.

Romans 3:21 - But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference.

Romans 4:5 - But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works. *So it's not our personal righteousness.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: chukoy
Upvote 0

Strong in Him

Great is thy faithfulness
Supporter
Mar 4, 2005
27,689
7,885
NW England
✟1,037,377.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
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 is said about your righteousness, this means you must be very righteous to enter heaven.

We can't even be righteous on our own, never mind righteous enough to be worthy of heaven.
Psalms 53:3
Jeremiah 17:9
Romans 3:23

This is why Jesus came
2 Corinthians 5:21.

Righteousness is from God
Romans 3:22
Ephesians 4:24
Philippians 1:11
Philippians 3:9
 
  • Agree
Reactions: pescador
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

bcbsr

Newbie
Mar 17, 2003
4,085
2,318
Visit site
✟193,956.00
Faith
Christian
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 is said about your righteousness, this means you must be very righteous to enter heaven.

The scribes and Pharisees was very righteous too, they give 10% of their income, fasting, praying, going to church, keeping the ten commandments and God's law, reading scripture, preaching, being good and righteous, doing good, had virtues, had Holy Spirit but was not enough righteous to enter heaven. Also being priest does not give you heaven, you remember that Jesus was catch by the servants of the high priests. Your righteousness is your way to heaven.
Jesus is talking about justification by the Law. And likewise concerning the rich young ruler. Justification by the Law is typically preached prior to presentation of the gospel of grace in order to convict people of sin and to convict them of the futility of trying to get to heaven based upon their own righteousness.

Paul did the same thing in Romans. The first two and a half chapters of Romans was about justification by the law, but his conclusion being that no one has been qualified to be justified by the law. "As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." Rom 3:10-12

And then he transitions to the gospel of grace.

"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Rom 3:20-24
 
  • Useful
Reactions: Danthemailman
Upvote 0

bigo1984

Newbie
Nov 2, 2014
146
28
39
✟9,268.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
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.

and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.
Philippians 3:9 NLT
Philippians 3:9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on | New Living Translation (NLT) | Download The Bible App Now


This is said about your righteousness, this means you must be very righteous to enter heaven.

The scribes and Pharisees was very righteous too, they give 10% of their income, fasting, praying, going to church, keeping the ten commandments and God's law, reading scripture, preaching, being good and righteous, doing good, had virtues, had Holy Spirit but was not enough righteous to enter heaven. Also being priest does not give you heaven, you remember that Jesus was catch by the servants of the high priests. Your righteousness is your way to heaven.
 
Upvote 0

bigo1984

Newbie
Nov 2, 2014
146
28
39
✟9,268.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.
Philippians 3:9 NLT
Philippians 3:9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on | New Living Translation (NLT) | Download The Bible App Now
 
Upvote 0