The second pastor, preaching with great intensity, taught that regularly attending his church’s services in person is a sign that someone belongs to God. Those who do not keep the “Sabbath” by attending church are regarded as failing to display the identity of citizens of heaven.
But is our salvation truly determined by the quality of our obedience and our attendance at church?
In Him
Have we not noticed what Paul says in Ephesians 1:4?
For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him.
— Ephesians 1:4
Notice those words: in Him.
The righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees is not a righteousness produced by our efforts to become more disciplined, more religious, or more obedient than they were. Our righteousness before our Father in heaven comes from Jesus.
The Father does not accept us because the quality of our obedience is good enough. He accepts us because we are in Christ. Christ’s perfection is the basis of our acceptance, not our spiritual achievement.
The Pattern of Representation and Covenant
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God consistently works through a pattern of representation and covenant. Through the representative He appoints, others share in His blessing.
Through Abraham, his descendants received the blessings of God’s covenant.
Through Israel, the nations could come to know God.
Through David, the people of Israel enjoyed well-being under a reign blessed by God.
And at the climax, through Jesus Christ, we receive salvation, are adopted as God’s children, and become heirs of the kingdom of heaven.
We do not receive heaven because our obedience has reached a certain standard. We receive it because we abide in Christ.
The Order Must Not Be Reversed
Jesus did say that those who love Him will keep His commandments. But the order must never be reversed.
Love for Jesus gives birth to obedience. Obedience is not the condition that makes Jesus accept us; it is the fruit of the life we have already received in Him.
Obedience is not a ticket into heaven. Jesus Christ Himself is our way to the Father.
Our righteousness does not come from the quality of our works, but from Jesus and His finished work.
We do not obey in pursuit of being saved. We learn obedience because, in Christ, we have already been saved.