Matthew 5:19
ESV - 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
A few points to remember: 1) Christ's earthly ministry was to Israel regarding their kingdom of priests to the world yet to come (Matt 10:5-6,.Matt 15:24, Acts 11:19, Rom 15:8, 2 Cor 5:16). 2) Christ was also speaking to Israel prior to His crucifixion, ascension into glory, and heavenly ministry to Paul. 3) No one is "Israel" today in God's eyes (Rom 11:11, Gal 3:28, Col 3:11). 4) We today are to follow Christ's heavenly ministry as given to Paul, found in Romans through Philemon (1 Cor 4:16, 1 Cor 11:11, Philippians 3:17). When keeping these truths in mind we can more easily see how we today, the church, the body of Christ, will not be judged by how well we follow Christ's earthly ministry to Israel, like "keeping the commandments" (Rom 3:28, Rom 6:14, 1 Cor 6:12). Jesus Christ was judged on our behalf for that very purpose (2 Cor 5:21). We, however, will be judged by how well we follow Paul's gospel of God's grace, Christ crucified: Rom 2:16 "In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel" So, no. Matthew 5:19 is not telling us the church, the body of Christ, the requirement for entering Israel's promised earthly kingdom of heaven. Believers today are already protected in the body of Christ for eternity (Col 2:9-13. Eph 1:12-13, Eph 4:30).
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.