Jesus said, "unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 5:20). In fact, up on the mountain Jesus spoke many more words that should give anyone pause if they think that somehow their works and law-keeping is causing God to smile upon them. He first said, "Whoever breaks the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven" (previous verse, Matt 5:19).
Ahhhh! How wonderful to be able to keep the commandments and be called great! And at least if you don't keep them, and are called "least" in the kingdom, at least you're in, right? Well, hold on. What's that again, about your righteousness not exceeding that of the scribes and Pharisees? If your righteousness does not exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, "you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."
And not only that, but on top of all the stuff that Jesus says a person needs to do, He says "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matt 5:48). And He's only getting started, folks! His, um, "sermon" goes on for two more chapters. (As a side note... did I unnecessarily use "quotes" on the word "sermon," or was it proper? - - - - Thanks to on coffee for this interesting link!)
So, let's read Matthew 5 through 7... and then let's get busy!
(Or am I missing something?) ;)
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