Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Israel as a nation, and individual Jews in particular, were offered the coming Davidic kingdom on earth during Christ's earthly ministry. They had to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for eternal salvation. There was also a physical salvation, by which, they would enter the kingdom and reign with Christ in his kingdom on earth; to enter they had to be righteous, and observe the law.
All the verses from Matthew 5:21 through Matthew 5:48 are instructing Israel of the righteousness needed to enter the kingdom.
There are two difficult passages below, found in the verses mentioned above.
Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Matthew 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
These verses, when taken in context, are speaking of entering the kingdom. Only a remnant, the little flock, will enter the kingdom of heaven on earth after the tribulation. Not all of Israel will enter the kingdom. These verses are a contrast, saying to Jews, that it is better to rid yourself of any offence that would keep you from entering the kingdom, as opposed to being cast into hell. These verses are not saying that if Jews don't enter the kingdom they will be cast into hell. Matthew 18:9 Matthew 10:28 Mark 9:47
Under the new covenant, the Holy Ghost will be given to the believing Jews who have repented, and been baptized. It is by the Holy Ghost, enabling the little flock to keep the Lord's commandments, that they will enter into the kingdom. Acts 2:38 Jeremiah 31:31 Jeremiah 31:33
Israel as a nation, and individual Jews in particular, were offered the coming Davidic kingdom on earth during Christ's earthly ministry. They had to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for eternal salvation. There was also a physical salvation, by which, they would enter the kingdom and reign with Christ in his kingdom on earth; to enter they had to be righteous, and observe the law.
All the verses from Matthew 5:21 through Matthew 5:48 are instructing Israel of the righteousness needed to enter the kingdom.
There are two difficult passages below, found in the verses mentioned above.
Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Matthew 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
These verses, when taken in context, are speaking of entering the kingdom. Only a remnant, the little flock, will enter the kingdom of heaven on earth after the tribulation. Not all of Israel will enter the kingdom. These verses are a contrast, saying to Jews, that it is better to rid yourself of any offence that would keep you from entering the kingdom, as opposed to being cast into hell. These verses are not saying that if Jews don't enter the kingdom they will be cast into hell. Matthew 18:9 Matthew 10:28 Mark 9:47
Under the new covenant, the Holy Ghost will be given to the believing Jews who have repented, and been baptized. It is by the Holy Ghost, enabling the little flock to keep the Lord's commandments, that they will enter into the kingdom. Acts 2:38 Jeremiah 31:31 Jeremiah 31:33