The Righteousness Required

Jesus' words in Matthew 5:19–20 confront two dangerous errors: loosening God's commands and trusting in outward religion. Christ did not come to diminish the authority of Scripture, and His disciples have no right to weaken what God has spoken. Yet careful rule-keeping alone cannot open the kingdom of heaven. The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees appeared impressive before men, but it remained external, selective, and self-reliant. Jesus requires a righteousness that reaches the heart. This message shows that such righteousness cannot be produced by human effort. It is found first in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law, bore its curse, and grants His righteousness to all who believe. The same grace that justifies also transforms, writing God's law upon the heart and producing sincere obedience. Come hear how the gospel neither lowers God's standard nor leaves sinners hopeless, but fully provides in Christ everything God requires from His people.