Keeping the Law "on the outside" isn't keeping the Law.
That’s why Jesus said that a person’s righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees.
That’s why Jesus said that a person’s righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees.
And that’s why works don’t save. If the motivation isn’t right, they’re worthless, even though they may be technically correct.
It’s the heart attitude not the perfection of works.
Even Lot was called *righteous*, hardly a term I’d use for him.
If someone is doing works to earn salvation, they are doing it for the wrong reason. That’s why works don’t save.
Keeping the Law "on the outside" isn't keeping the Law.
I think it's possible to keep "the letter of the law" yet neglect the spirit of the law. Jesus spoke of this when He said "Woe to you oh Pharisees, teachers of the law
Regardless, the law cannot save anyone. It's there to show us why we need a savior. Thank God for His Grace through Jesus Christ!
I once heard an awesome sermon where the preacher spoke about "Dr Law" and "Dr Grace."
Sure it can be.
The law contained rules and regulations for washings, offerings, ceremonies, hygiene, food preparation, a criminal code, etc. One could follow the letter of the Law and not ever err in keeping the written down instructions and still not be saved because the Law was not established to be a vehicle for salvation. That's why Jesus said that one's righteousness had to exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees.
They kept the letter of the Law, thinking that in it they had eternal life. They didn't keep the spirit of the Law, which is what the Law was really about.