Pastor Allen Victor taught that when it comes to entering heaven, being “good” is not good enough. Using everyday examples—grades that are not high enough, a password missing one character, or a credit score that falls short—Pastor explained that many areas of life require meeting a specific standard. In the same way, God’s standard for heaven is not simply goodness but perfection.

Pastor explained that in Matthew chapters 1–4, the writer sought to prove that Jesus is the Son of God and the promised Messiah. Then in Matthew 5–7, Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, revealing what true righteousness looks like and demonstrating why He alone could be called the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew 5:17–20, Jesus declared that He did not come to destroy the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them. Pastor described the Law as heaven’s entrance exam—one that requires a perfect score. Jesus emphasized that not one “jot” or “tittle,” the smallest marks in Hebrew writing, would pass from the law until everything was fulfilled (Matthew 5:18).

Pastor noted that Jesus also said a person’s righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20). The Pharisees were considered the highest standard of religious devotion. They carefully practiced tithing, prayed regularly like Daniel three times a day, fasted twice a week, and kept strict Sabbath regulations. Yet Pastor explained that even their dedication was not enough because true righteousness is not merely outward behavior but a matter of the heart. Scriptures such as Isaiah 64:6, James 2:10, and Romans 3:10 remind us that human righteousness falls short and that breaking even one command makes a person guilty before God.

Pastor continued through Jesus’ examples showing how the Law exposes the condition of the heart. Jesus said the command “You shall not murder” (Matthew 5:21) extends beyond the physical act. Anger, insults, and contempt toward others place a person in danger of judgment (Matthew 5:22). Because of this, Jesus urged reconciliation, teaching that if someone remembers a conflict while bringing an offering, they should first go and be reconciled before worshiping (Matthew 5:23–26).

Jesus also addressed the command against adultery. While the Law condemned the physical act (Matthew 5:27), Jesus revealed that lust in the heart already violates the command (Matthew 5:28). Pastor explained that Jesus’ strong warning about removing an eye or hand (Matthew 5:29–30) showed the seriousness of sin and the danger it poses to the soul.

Pastor also highlighted Jesus’ teaching about marriage and divorce. While some religious leaders permitted divorce for trivial reasons, Jesus declared that divorce was only justified in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 5:31–32), with 1 Corinthians 7 later addressing abandonment. Jesus then addressed promises and oaths, instructing His followers to live with such integrity that their simple “yes” or “no” would be trustworthy (Matthew 5:33–37).

Moving further, Pastor explained Jesus’ teaching on retaliation and love for enemies. While the Law limited revenge to justice—“an eye for an eye” (Matthew 5:38)—Jesus called His followers to radical mercy: turning the other cheek, giving more than demanded, and loving even those who mistreat them (Matthew 5:39–47). Pastor acknowledged how difficult this command can be, reminding the congregation that Christ demonstrated this love perfectly. As Romans 5:8 declares, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Pastor concluded with Matthew 5:48, where Jesus declared, “You shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” This revealed the true requirement for heaven—perfect righteousness. Pastor explained that only one person ever met that standard: Jesus Christ. He fulfilled every command, kept every detail of the Law, never sinned in heart or action, never broke a promise, never retaliated in anger, and loved even His enemies.

The good news is that the perfection God requires is offered through faith in Christ. As Romans 3:21–22 explains, the righteousness of God is revealed apart from the law and is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

This message was shared at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, a church under the leadership of Pastor Allen Victor.

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