The Traits of True Faith - Part 1

This morning we are looking at one of the most misunderstood sermons that Jesus ever preached—The Sermon on the Mount. Some people say that this section describes the standard of life you must meet if you are to be granted entrance into heaven. That can’t be the interpretation because Jesus came preaching repentance of sin & belief in the gospel for salvation (Mark 1:15). Others say that this text merely describes the attitudes of citizens in the future Millennial Kingdom. That’s foolish because if that was the case, then Jesus’ words do not apply to us today & have no relevance to this life.

So, what is the point of this message? What do the Beatitudes describe? The key to understanding Jesus’ famous sermon is in verse 20.

Mat 5:20  For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. 

The main theme is true righteousness, that which is required to enter heaven. The true righteousness which Jesus offers is received by repentance of sin & faith in Him as Lord & Savior. In contrast, the religious leaders had an artificial, external righteousness based on the Law & their legalistic rules. But Jesus made it clear that their external righteousness was not good enough to get anyone into the kingdom of heaven. You need the righteousness of GOD which far exceeds the righteousness of the scribes & Pharisees. This righteousness is imputed by GOD into a believing sinner’s heart at the moment of faith in Christ.