Righteousness That Exceeds
Submitted by Frank Williams
August 11, 2025
Mt 5:20 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.
Mostly, the leaders of Israel had sunk down spiritually, to a system of works in trying to relate to the Lord God. They were attempting to earn their way to God through their own fleshly systems and traditions. It was (and still is) a totally legalistic system. And it is an impossible way of salvation.
Outward righteousness does nothing to clean up the heart. It really works just the opposite. Clean up the heart, and the outside will show it. David prayed this way:
Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. He knew very well that his relationship with the Lord required inward righteousness.
What might be confusing to some is—How exactly do we exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees? As it appeared to people, they were the best of Israeli society, good citizens who practiced their religious rules.
The simple answer is in the Lord Jesus. He alone has exceeded the righteousness of anyone. It is a glorious grace, that when we are born again, all of our sin is placed on the account of Jesus. He paid the penalty of our sin at Calvary. Then, the other part of this exchange, is that all of the righteousness of Jesus is put to our account!
O, What a Saviour! And oh, what a transaction!
Another confusing thing about Pharisees—many mix up grace and law. Phariseeism is simply a system of works for salvation. Many tend to wrongly claim that godly and righteous standards of living are Pharisaical.
Paul settled the argument over what Grace really is and what Grace produces in one’s life.
Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Reflection—Do you follow Biblical standards by Religion or by Relationship? Law or Love?
