Matthew 5:20 is Jesus teaching and He says this, “‘But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!'”
It’s harsh language with a stern warning.
His expectation for those He spent time instructing was greater than those who were, “teachers of religious law and the Pharisees.”
In fact, one of the biggest mistakes we can make as a believer is to assume that the grace of Christ automatically removes us from responsibility to righteous living. My commentary says, “It is not a pardon of the past with indifference as regards to the future. It is forgiveness as a foundation and preparation for a new and better life. More is expected of the Christian than the Jew, or the convert than the sinner.”
“To much is given, much is required.” Luke 12:48
Jesus expects more from us than from those who spoke well, but failed by example. He expects more than theatrical pretenders. He wants our genuine and authentic righteousness.
“God is not mocked…” Gal 6:7 And He will not accept into His heavenly residence, those who profess without performance. In other words.. those who speak words of faithfulness, devotion, and godliness, without works that prove their existence.
God is looking for a change of heart and a yielded-ness of spirit.
He’s not looking for good talkers, He’s looking for those who’s conduct confirms their claim.
God demands a surpassing righteousness… because we have a greater advantage of Presence than the ones who made “law” their highest goal.
My commentary says this, “Christ brings us a God-made righteousness, and He gives us the power to be all that he expects of us (Romans 3:21, 22). His demand is only that we will not frustrate the working of His grace.”
Wow.
May we learn to produce the fruit which comes by manner of performing what we profess.
We cannot profess what we cannot perform.
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