Righteousness Must Exceed that of the Pharisees!

Here is support for the need to walk in righteousness...

"For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 5:20

...that means repenting of known sin, and not remaining pious (devoutly

religious)...

One exception in the Word of God is that if you are unaware what you are doing is sin, God gives grace...

"Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." James 4:17

"For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:6

"And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day."  John 6:39

God will bring you into the light regarding your sin. Yet, when you become aware of the sin and you blatantly choose to keep sinning, you have placed yourself into a position where demons have the right to come against you. I truly believe this 'demonic right' is a spiritual law in order to wake you up to your sin, and bring you to repentance.

The genuine believer with the Holy Spirit will eventually come to repentance!

Here are a few verses to confirm our need to repent when convicted of our sin...

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 " If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9

"For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”" 1 Peter 1:16

In regards to salvation, I believe a true believer will struggle with repenting and falling...

"For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,.." Prov. 24:16a

... but they will not lose their salvation.

HOWEVER, they WILL NOT be found worthy to escape all that is to come (the Tribulation) if they remain in their sin when God convicts them of it. This would be for more refinement before they can enter the Kingdom of HEAVEN. Matt.5:20.

Blessings to you all!