The Pharisees were extremely exacting sticklers for the laws, and Jesus wants his follows to be even more observant of the law than the Pharisees. Matthew 5: 20.

What Laws is Jesus talking about, given that at the time of this pronoucement there was no New testament?

Could he have had this in mind?

Exodus 21: 17, "Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death."

Righteousness is not the direct by-product of an attempt at obeying the laws. Righteousness has to do with the intent of the heart. The two major commandments to:

Love God, with all our hearts, minds, and strength, and

Love our neighbour as ourselves...

... are all-encompassing. Motives are important when we look at what righteousness is. A righteous man wishes only the best for others. A righteous man only wishes to please the Lord. The Pharisses lacked in this regard, as they had another agenda. They sought advancement and power. They were certainly not child-like in their lack of guile...but rather used all manner of guile to get what they sought for.

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John

The sticklers (pharisees and saducees), while they were sticklers, were not absolutely perfect. What Jesus was saying is that even the SLIGHTEST imperfection in following the law will cause you not to be saved. Even a look at a woman with a wrong motive is adultery in the heart, etc..etc.. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. He is the covering of those who are saved, even while they are being sanctified. He was telling the Israelites that the law cannot save them unless they do it perfectly, which cannot be done by a mere human. Even those who came the closest, still sinned, ie...Moses (Ishmael incedent). Although they were saved by their belief in the Messiah even though He had not come yet.

So, Pointus, you have only two options, as I have said in the prior replies to your messages....you can be judged by the law, or you can accept grace. Time is ticking in your life...

Heb 4:7 - Show Context
Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."