In Matthew 5, Jesus begins his ministry and teachings by explaining what is to be expected of His followers.
Rejoice in persecution,
You are salt and light,
Jesus is the fulfillment of the law,
Obey the law,
Teach the law,
Be reconciled to your brother,
Sinful thought is equal to the sinful action,
Divorce is unacceptable,
Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’,
Let your ‘no’ be ‘no’,
Do not swear,
Do not resist an evil person,
Turn the other cheek,
Give more than is asked of you,
Love your neighbor,
Love your enemies,
Bless those who curse you,
Pray for those that persecute you,
Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.
This is the New Covenant.
It is understood that righteousness is no longer of our doing, but righteousness, nonetheless, is still the requirement.
Only through living in the fullness of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us is this ever possible.
We must die to self and then we can rejoice in the fullness of the Spirit. Rejoice!
