[MHGinTN]

You offered, Jesus said in Matthew 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.” Now, Norm, keep the words of Jesus in mind as you reread the passage from Isaiah! Do you really believe you in the power of your flesh can live MORE righteous than the Pharisees? Jesus was trying to get His listeners to realize that they could NEVER live righteously enough to acquire the Nature of God, even if they lived more perfectly than the Pahrisees!

Righteousness doesn't grow like a sunflower, Norm. It is a Gift of God given to the believer when they faithe in God's Grace to them in the Person and work of Jesus Christ! That is why Paul gave explicit instruction regarding Abraham who lived before the law which Pharisees live as best they could. Do you think you can be as good as God's natural nature by living the dos and avoiding the don'ts you have been taught by the religion of Mormonism? Jesus's message to those who believed they could is what you posted!

[Normandy]

Remember, though, that the righteousness of the Pharisees was not pleasing to Jesus. He castigated them for their pride in keeping the minutua of the law, while omitting “the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith”.

The righteousnes that Jesus wants his disciples to have is purity of heart, mercy, peacemaking, charity, etc. When the heart is right, works of righteousness naturally follow.