Matthew 5:20 For I say to you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees… I. WHAT IS THAT RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH MUST FAIL IF RELIED ON FOR ENTRANCE TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, Much in it that was good but only external. It was heart-deficiency. II. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WILL OF NECESSITY BE EFFECTUAL Exceed it — 1. In regard to its source. 2. In its quality. (1) It must be spiritual. (2) It must be evangelical righteousness; not by the works of the law. (3) It must be a moral righteousness, possessed as well as imputed. (4) It must be an essential righteousness, as essential as the air we breathe.Address those whose righteousness does not come up to the standard of the Scribes and Pharisees; those who are trusting in the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees; those who through grace have found the effectual righteousness. (G. Fisk, LL. B.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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