EXCEPT YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS EXCEEDS THAT OF THE RELIGIOUS YOU CANNOT ENTER HEAVEN

 The curse of poverty and stagnation is broken in your family because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: EXCEPT YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS EXCEEDS THAT OF THE RELIGIOUS YOU CANNOT ENTER HEAVEN 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

   In Matthew 5:20, Jesus declares, "For I say to you that unless your righteousness (uprightness, moral essence) is more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This statement shakes the foundation of religion-based righteousness. The scribes and Pharisees epitomized religious rigor, yet Jesus revealed that external compliance cannot secure eternal life.

There exists a form of righteousness rooted in religious performance—rules, rituals, and self-effort—that places the burden of salvation on man. But this cannot cleanse the conscience (Hebrews 9:14) or grant assurance of heaven. If it could, there would be no need for continuous striving for holiness through human effort (Titus 3:5). The righteousness God accepts is not earned, but received by grace through faith.

   This was exemplified by the thief on the cross. With no time for religious duties, he simply acknowledged Jesus as Lord (Luke 23:42-43). Jesus responded, "Today you shall be with Me in Paradise." This man was justified through Christ’s vicarious atonement—without religion, but by grace. He was made righteous before he entered heaven.

Philippians 3:9 underscores this truth: “And be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ...” Romans 3:22 affirms that this righteousness is given through faith in Jesus to all who believe.

   True righteousness is a gift (Romans 5:17), not a human achievement. Only this righteousness surpasses that of the religious—and only this leads to heaven.

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and fruits of righteousness . 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for our salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome sin.

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