"For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

If you are not more righteous than the scribes and Pharisees, then you won't enter the kingdom. They had an outward righteousness, but we have good intentions, good motives, and good deeds. They made up rules, but we follow the new testament. They were hateful and were proud. We are humble and love people. They couldn't see Jesus, but we behold his glory.

In all things, we have a greater righteousness than hypocrites, if we love God. We serve him by faith, sincerely.

Do not think you'll enter the kingdom your way. Jesus has set forth irrevocable terms. Let the reader be wise. Draw near for him to teach you. The reward is worth the effort!

First, the authority of the one who speaks. "For I say to you". It is the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the one who made the world.

Oh, how we must hear him! He has power to judge us. He's not telling lies. He's not an imposter. He's not bluffing and selling wolf tickets. He's the judge. He'll come back one day to judge the world and punish his enemies. He's God's exalted king.

Secondly, see who he speaks to. "Unless your righteousness exceeds." He's talking to us. The fallen angels have no hope. The demons are reserved for judgment in chains of darkness. They cannot hear and repent. They are headed for hell.

We, however, can hear instruction! We can repent and change! He says, "Do you desire to be made well [John 5:6]?" He'll heal you, and give you power over sin. He'll make you obedient! The blood is enough, and the Spirit is sufficient. It is enough that God loves sinners. He'll take you WHERE YOU ARE and make you something special. What a wonder working God!

Thirdly, who he's talking about. "The scribes and Pharisees."

Oh, these hypocrites are our test. They loved God in word only. They did many deeds to be seen by man. They have their reward. They prayed, fasted, and tithed, but they did not love. They trusted in their own righteousness. They had no broken heart and no faith. They didn't lean on imputed righteousness, so they despised others. They made up rules but neglected the weightier matters, such as justice, mercy, faithfulness. They were holier-than-thou, and refused to help sinners. They made the outside clean, but inwardly they were filled with greed, the love of praise, and the love of money. They were SELF CENTERED, using God's name to advance themselves. They were evil hypocrites and false teachers. They even knew the truth, but refused to admit it.

Oh, let us not be like them. Put away hypocrisy immediately!

Fourthly, we have an absolute. "You will by no means enter." There is no way into the kingdom, unless we are born again and made sincere. We must bring forth good fruit. We must have sound doctrine and good hearts by faith. We must be purified and cleansed within. Love must be given to us, not only for our neighbor but also for our enemies. We must live for the glory of Christ.

The Pharisees had religion, but Christ was not the center. They had no praise!

Oh, we can't enter the kingdom, unless we yield. Turn the other way. Go a new direction. The Lord will make no exception. He won't speak this word, and let us in a back door!

Fifthly, we see what is lost. "The kingdom of heaven!"

Oh, to be thrust out of the kingdom, when others are entering in. Oh, to know they're in heaven, while you're in hell - that their praise is unceasing, and you are left out… their comfort is infinite, and so is your misery! There's no turning back. No turning back. No, turning back!

Oh, to miss the kingdom is to miss everything. You're flunking life with eternal consequences. You're missing out on Paradise and have EXCHANGED IT FOR HELL. Jesus was willing. He'd receive you. He called, but you did not answer. He would have healed you and poured on you his Spirit, but you didn't want it. Now, the door is shut. Forever, it is closed!

Finally, let me warn you and exhort: Don't miss this kingdom. Hearken while you can. Don't take it for granted.

Believe on Christ. Believe. Put your trust in him. Say, "I'm a sinner, and I need mercy. Make me righteous indeed."