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Observe here, 1. A glorious prize or reward set before the Christian as attainable, namely, the kingdom of heaven.
Observe, 2. The means required in order to our obtaining of this prize, and laying hold of this reward; we must be holy and righteous persons: heaven is the reward of righteousness, a reward conferred only upon righteous persons.
Observe, 3. Here is the special qualification of that righteousness expressed, which will entitle us to heaven and salvation: it must be a righteousness which exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, and that these three ways;
1. In its principle and motive; love to God, and obedience to his command; not the applause and commendation of men.
2. In its aim and end; the Pharisees made themselves. their own credit and esteem, their worldly gain and interest, their ultimate end; and not God's glory, their supreme aim.
3. In the manner of performance; the Pharisees duty wanted that purity and spirituality which the law of God required. They had respect only to the outward action, without any regard to the inward intention, and to that purity of heart which God required.
Quest. In what things are we to exceed the Scribes and Pharisees?
Answ. In sincerity, or by being that within which we seem to be without.
In simplicity, or having holy ends in our religious actions.
In humility, or having low and humble thoughts of ourselves, and our best performances.
In charity, or having compassion on all distressed persons.
In universality of obedience to all commands.
Learn, That holiness of heart, and righteousness of life, which God's law requires of us, is absolutely and indispensably necessary to salvation.