1.How do the statements of Jesus in texts such as Matthew 5:17-20, 6:14-15, and 7:1-2 align with the Christian doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith in Christ?
There are multiple ways the texts from the sermon on the mount align with Christian doctrine and salvation through Christ. Jesus’ messages from the sermon on the mount model the need of grace to be saved. According to Jesus in one of the passages listed above, “unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20, NKJV). In this passage Jesus is saying that unless a person is far more righteous than the most righteous individuals they will not make into heaven. Figuratively he is saying that it is impossible to get into heaven based of a person’s own righteousness or works. By saying the head Jewish figures would not even make it to heaven based off their works, no one would, displaying the need for salvation by other means. Instead of earning salvation through works, which …show more content…
Jesus tells his followers not to judge because if they are judged by the same standards they would not meet them, because all false short no matter how good their virtue is. All are saved only by Christ so judging someone based off of their lack of righteousness would be the pot calling the kettle black. Conversely, if humanity recognizes its own depravity and as a result forgives others for sins committed against them, according to Jesus the father will do the same. This again shows that righteousness is not a necessity for forgiveness when speaking about salvation, and even human interaction.
2.How do the ethics of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount differ from the values of our culture today? Give at least three specific
There are multiple ways the texts from the sermon on the mount align with Christian doctrine and salvation through Christ. Jesus’ messages from the sermon on the mount model the need of grace to be saved. According to Jesus in one of the passages listed above, “unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20, NKJV). In this passage Jesus is saying that unless a person is far more righteous than the most righteous individuals they will not make into heaven. Figuratively he is saying that it is impossible to get into heaven based of a person’s own righteousness or works. By saying the head Jewish figures would not even make it to heaven based off their works, no one would, displaying the need for salvation by other means. Instead of earning salvation through works, which …show more content…
Jesus tells his followers not to judge because if they are judged by the same standards they would not meet them, because all false short no matter how good their virtue is. All are saved only by Christ so judging someone based off of their lack of righteousness would be the pot calling the kettle black. Conversely, if humanity recognizes its own depravity and as a result forgives others for sins committed against them, according to Jesus the father will do the same. This again shows that righteousness is not a necessity for forgiveness when speaking about salvation, and even human interaction.
2.How do the ethics of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount differ from the values of our culture today? Give at least three specific