I find it funny how many reason that a miracle didn’t happen because they didn’t have enough faith. Christ himself indeed taught that if we have the faith of a mustard seed we can move mountains. But faith in temporal things sets us up for failure. I may have faith that my grandmother can be cured of stage four ovarian cancer, but when she decided to quit chemotherapy my faith is unlikely to save her. I believe true faith has to be in true principles–constant. If my faith in Jesus Christ is pure, then my desires parallel God’s will, and I only ask God what is His righteous desire. Then and only then will my faith move mountains–because God wills it to happen.

A wise prophet once said, “Pray as if everything depends on God, and then go out and work as if everything depends on you.”

Now He further shock His audience with a parable that seems to place a detestable tax-gatherer in a better position spiritually than a praying Pharisee

Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Again, he makes a stark contrast with the smug Pharisee, who was so certain that all his fasting and tithing and other works made him acceptable to God.

Remember Jesus’ statement “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven” Yet now He states that this tax-gatherer—the most wicked of men—was justified! How did such a sinner obtain a righteousness that exceeded that of the Pharisee? If the standard is divine perfection (be ye therefore perfect, even as I am perfect), how could a traitorous tax-collector ever become just in God’s eyes?

The only possible answer is that he received a righteousness that was not his own. One that was imputed to him by faith.

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.”

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce. But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

From Rusty…

You asked “Does God expect more than just obedience to the Mosaic Law”. The Law of Moses was fulfilled with Christ, and we were given a higher law. God expects obedience to all of His commandments (else why would he give them).

From your quotaion… “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven”

That’s another reference that doesn’t fit with the belief that our works have no bearing on our salvation.

It is fascinating for me to read this blog. You are all so respectful, and I am learning more every time I read. Thanks, to all of you.

From Rusty… I’m so glad you’re finding it valuable. We’ll be having lots more discussions as this series on Mormon beliefs progress, so I hope you’ll continue to join us. I too am grateful for the tone of respect that has been maintained as we discuss items that often can quickly lead to argument.

From Rusty, Thank you for the background information, and great book recommendation – I’ll pick that up. That is a fascinating time period.

I’d recommend a book for not just information about Luther, but an engaging read about one of the greatest periods of change in the world. William Manchester’s “A World Lit only by Fire”. This describes Europe’s radical move from the “Dark Ages” into the “Renaissance” within just a few short generations. Columbus, Michaelangelo, & Luther were all contemporaries. It’s a great read.

Pondering Pastor

Pondering Pastor
PS, thanks for the reference of “friend”.

Certainly! I truly appreciate your respectful questions, they’re educated, deep, and important, but what’s more, you keep them friendly, and keep me studying!

I actually didn’t know that Luther was a man, and that’s where Lutheranism came from. That’s fascinating to me. What was it (sorry if I degress from this post), that he was most interested in reforming, had he sensed a “falling away” from doctrine, or a trend towards a lack of clarity, or something of that nature?

From Rusty… LOL, that’s great.