How can anyone ever make it?
In my reading from the Old Testament this morning, it seems that a person determines whether he will "live" or "die" based on his own righteousness. Ezekiel 18 states,
Then in the New Testament we find that Jesus elaborates on the subject. In Matthew 5 he said,
The Pharisees attempted to live (at least in the public eye) in obedience to the laws that were found in the Scriptures. Yet, Jesus said that our righteousness must surpass theirs if we wish to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Who then, can make it?
Praise God, there is a righteousness that is not our own, but comes from God. We are approaching Easter where we celebrate the fact that Jesus Christ gave his life to pay the price for our sin - to provide righteousness that we cannot attain on our own. It is only through faith in Christ.
In my reading from the Old Testament this morning, it seems that a person determines whether he will "live" or "die" based on his own righteousness. Ezekiel 18 states,
21“But if a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, that person will surely live; they will not die. 22None of the offenses they have committed will be remembered against them. Because of the righteous things they have done, they will live....
24“But if a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked person does, will they live? None of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness they are guilty of and because of the sins they have committed, they will die.
Then in the New Testament we find that Jesus elaborates on the subject. In Matthew 5 he said,
20For 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.
The Pharisees attempted to live (at least in the public eye) in obedience to the laws that were found in the Scriptures. Yet, Jesus said that our righteousness must surpass theirs if we wish to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Who then, can make it?
Praise God, there is a righteousness that is not our own, but comes from God. We are approaching Easter where we celebrate the fact that Jesus Christ gave his life to pay the price for our sin - to provide righteousness that we cannot attain on our own. It is only through faith in Christ.
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