Fresh Studies in Matthew: Matthew 5:20

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These verses can be problematic.  We interpret it as “only a perfectly righteous person can enter heaven, and since that’s not possible, trust Jesus for salvation.” And in the context of the whole Bible, it does mean that, but . . . he goes on to describe truly heart righteousness.  In this context, he speaks as though such righteousness is possible, and what we should strive for.  This is a fresh giving of the same law with emphasis on relationship, on his authority to give it, and on the centrality of motive.  This does seem like works salvation or more, works condemnation (cut off your hand to avoid sinning). I wonder if the right hand reference is to masturbation, since the context is lust?

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