Matthew 5:21-26 Where’s the Line?

We are studying the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes solidify our identity and paint a vision of those who are in the Kingdom of God. Now we are being instructed on how the Kingdom of Heaven is different from the Kingdom of Religion. 

Last week, we defined some important words to set the stage for the rest of our series on the Sermon on the Mount. One of those words was Righteousness.(podcast) It’s to be made right with God.

Free from guilt or sin. Our sin has been paid for. 

Jesus had just said, 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.

When examining scripture it’s important to remain on the line with what it says. It’s also vitally important to take the whole of scripture, the context of the verse, and any correlative passages that address similar and like situations. 

That being said, Jesus is about to point out here is the line of this scripture passage and

To go above the line and add to it is in danger of legalism.

To go below the line and disregard it is in danger of liberalism.

The teachers of the law are going below the line.

Quick review Righteousness: this is what God has done for us. This is not a work we can do, because we can’t be righteous enough on our own effort.

It’s by Jesus' righteousness that we can stand before God / enter his Kingdom.

His righteousness is given to us who believe. 

Therefore it’s not by anything we do, it’s by who we receive as Lord, King of our life…. Jesus our Savior. 

In turn, we obey His commands out of love, gratitude, and personal relationship.