How does Matthew 5:20 connect with Romans 3:22 on righteousness through faith? Two Anchoring Verses Matthew 5:20: “For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Romans 3:22: “And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction.” The Call for Surpassing Righteousness - Jesus points to a righteousness deeper than the most meticulous rule-keeping. - He sets God’s own holiness as the true measure (cf. Leviticus 19:2; James 2:10). - The statement uncovers humanity’s desperate need for something beyond moral effort. Why Human Effort Falls Short - Even the Pharisees, famed for outward conformity, remained inwardly corrupt (Matthew 23:27-28). - “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10-12). - Our best works are “filthy rags” before a holy God (Isaiah 64:6). Paul’s Answer in Romans 3:22 - The righteousness God requires is the righteousness God provides. - It is “from God” and “through faith in Jesus Christ,” not through law-keeping (Galatians 2:16). - Offered “to all who believe,” it levels every distinction of merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). Bringing the Two Passages Together - Matthew 5:20: the requirement—righteousness surpassing the religious elite. - Romans 3:22: the fulfillment—righteousness credited by faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21). - Jesus exposes the need; Paul declares the supply. How Faith Unites Us to Christ’s Righteousness 1. Conviction—recognizing personal failure (John 16:8). 2. Confession—turning from self-righteousness (1 John 1:9). 3. Confidence—resting in Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 4:23-25). 4. Credit—God legally declares the believer righteous (Romans 5:1). Living Out Received Righteousness - A new heart now delights in obedience (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Titus 2:11-12). - Justification leads to sanctification; grace trains us to say “no” to sin (Romans 6:11-14). - Love and mercy replace pride and legalism (Micah 6:8; Matthew 23:23). Snapshot - Matthew 5:20 drives us to acknowledge our inability. - Romans 3:22 invites us to receive God’s perfect provision. - In Christ, believers possess the surpassing righteousness that opens the kingdom of heaven and empowers holy living today. |
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