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Text: Matthew 19:16-22
Other references: Romans 3:19,20; Romans 3:21-24, 26; Romans 8:29; Matthew 10:25
Each of us must be perfected to enter into the presence of God. Every one of us has a time appointed when we will experience Him, in His absolute perfection and holiness.
Are we ready?
Jesus is the standard by which we will be judged. He is a perfect person— and we must draw near to Him.
The Ten Commandments are grounded in the character of God. They are a reflection of Who He is.
When you look at the Ten Commandments it is almost like a minimum requirement of what H`God requires.
vs. 17 — Jesus IS God. Why does He ask this?
This rich young ruler felt like he was a pretty good boy. In asking this question Jesus pulled out that prop… We need to compare ourselves to God to properly understand ourselves.
Jesus is using the Law to show this person that he wasn’t as “good” as he thought he was.
When we compare ourselves to God’s Law, there is not much left for us to be proud of.
The work of the Law is not to save us, but to show us that we need a Saviour. Before we will be willing to take up the cross of Christ, we will first need to be undone by our unholiness.
The Scripture tells us that we all fall short.
Vs. 21 “If ye want to be perfect…”
If you’ve finally realized that the Law will not save you, come, follow me and take up your cross and find salvation. It is an invitation to the righteousness of Jesus.
We must see our need for Him, our righteous Advocate and our Judge.
Jesus is the “correctional mirror” for us. He is working to do His will in us.
The goal is that we reflect Christ.
False gospels:
1.It’s all about my works + Jesus
2. Jesus is my righteousness and I don’t need to change because God has imputed His perfection to us
Do we consider what it cost for us to be saved?
We can get lazy about cross-bearing.
Jesus favorite thing to do was to be pleasing to the Father. Saying no to myself and yes to Him, that is cross bearing.
Only perfection will get us into Heaven. Jesus is our substitute perfection— He steps in and gives us His righteousness. He continues to shape us to be more like Him, to be “conformed to His image”.