“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:20
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, and he strictly adhered to the Law. Upon hearing of the miraculous signs that Jesus was doing, he made a nighttime visit to check it out. He learned that the path of Jesus was far different from the one he was on (see John 3:1-21).
Saul (who would later be known as Paul) also was a Pharisee and was convinced that he was walking on the path of righteousness. So sure was he that he could justify imprisonment and even death for those who believed differently. As a young man he had witnessed and approved the stoning of Stephen, a follower of Jesus, and his zeal intensified. On Paul’s journey to inflict more harm on Jesus’ disciples, the Lord himself stopped him in his tracks. His perspective was forever changed.
How sweet it is to be released from the hold of legalism and to fall into the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ! There we experience forgiveness of sins and freedom from guilt and shame. We journey onward covered in His righteousness on the path that leads to life.
Saul (who would later be known as Paul) also was a Pharisee and was convinced that he was walking on the path of righteousness. So sure was he that he could justify imprisonment and even death for those who believed differently. As a young man he had witnessed and approved the stoning of Stephen, a follower of Jesus, and his zeal intensified. On Paul’s journey to inflict more harm on Jesus’ disciples, the Lord himself stopped him in his tracks. His perspective was forever changed.
How sweet it is to be released from the hold of legalism and to fall into the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ! There we experience forgiveness of sins and freedom from guilt and shame. We journey onward covered in His righteousness on the path that leads to life.
Scripture Focus
Acts 22:2-10
Insight
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 22-23
- Psalm 11
- Matthew 18
