Paul writes: That seems to be a clever, safe answer, Scott, but by replying in that manner you are in danger of denying the Word of God which has been revealed from heaven to you, so that you, with all men, are without excuse.<br><br>If your faith IS NOT IN Christ, then you have no righteousness in God's sight: "There is no one righteous, not even one...no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the law."<br><br>If your faith IS IN Christ, then you have been declared righteous in God's sight: "to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness...since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ...Who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption."<br><br>Which of these describes you, Scott? <br> <br>[color:purple]Scott replies: I'll not fall into your black and white fallacy - nice try. Make note Paul, your references are contrasting works of the law to attain righteousness or grace wherein righteousness is given us. Your initial question seemed to me to be a trap - and regardless of which way I answered it, you would have found fault with it. The fact is that if such righteousness is given me, then it is Christ's righteousness, not mine to be proud of. I am dirt, I am nothing, I deserve nothing from God - but God in His Mercy has provided for me a means of grace. So, if I were to speculate and pretend to have God's Eyes, then looking at me - I am dirt, I am nothing - but if I am given the righteousness of Christ - then when God looks at me, He will not see me - but Christ.<br> <br>Now, do I make the bold, prideful or presumptuous claim that I am Christ? No, by no means! If I make it to the Wedding Feast, then I will sit myself at the lowest place, and IF I am invited up to a higher place than someone else, THEN I will be thankful and honored by His Grace - but I do not presume I am "higher" than anyone else, here and now, I'll let my Lord decide that.<br> <br>As for your question about my righteousness being higher than the Pharisees: I assume you mean this verse: <blockquote>[color:red]Mat5:20 For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.</font color=red></blockquote> The context of that verse is not about us claiming righteousness greater than the Pharisees - it's about grace verses works of the law. In the context of this verse - we should not be claiming such righteousness at all! Rather, we should be reliant on His Grace - and that is the message of the context of Matthew 5:20.<br> <br>In JMJ,<br> <br>Scott<<<<br></font color=purple><br> <br>