For I say to you, If your righteousness is not greater than the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never go into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:20

Hallelujah, our justice is greater, much, much greater! I know that the scribes made a great effort to be just and to keep all the commandments. But their hearts were with the law and far from the living God. They did not know His grace and mercy, His power and wisdom. But we! We are justified, not by our own efforts, but by the sacrifice of Jesus for us. He makes us pure! He makes us just! He makes us holy! Now God’s Spirit lives in our hearts and we recognize God, the Father, the Merciful, the Gracious! How good for us, everything is a gift and no merit.
In another passage Jesus says: “If you do not repent and become like children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matth. 18, 3).
Knowledge, intelligence, pride, arrogance, self-righteousness, high demands on oneself ….. all this can prevent us from becoming like children. Adults have difficulty believing and trusting. Children know: Jesus loves them, they can ask him for everything. He has forgiven their guilt. He takes them seriously. They are safe with him.
How difficult it is for us adults to have such a childlike and trusting faith! But Jesus wants to transform us from a skeptic to a trusting child. This may take years, but HE has patience.
Yes, believe only in Jesus and His righteousness in you! Then the fear of God, the judge, passes away. Believe in Jesus, the Lord of life! Then the fear of death fades away. Believe Him, and the worries say goodbye.
Be a child in faith, and HE will take care. Be happy, for there is reason enough. Jesus says: Did I not tell you: If you believe, will you see God’s glory?

Thank You, Jesus! You have done everything for me! Your salvation is all-embracing, You really thought of everything. You make me righteous, holy, pure and fill me with Your Spirit who helps me. How good for me! Hallelujah!