Click to Play
0 plays
Sign in to like or dislike songs
Let us look at what the Word of God says. The central text is one of the most searching statements Jesus ever made:
> “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven at all.”
> — *Matthew 5:20* (NASB)
The song “Heart Deep Righteousness” takes this verse and unfolds its implications. It confronts one of the most dangerous deceptions in religious life: the belief that outward conformity is enough, that external morality or religious behavior can qualify us for the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus speaks directly against this. He demands a righteousness that is higher than the most religious people of His day. But He also goes deeper. He moves from outward actions to the inner condition of the heart—anger, hatred, lust, unreconciled relationships—showing that true righteousness is heart-deep, not skin-deep.
The key tension in this passage, and reflected in the lyrics, is this:
This is the message of the song: God demands heart-deep righteousness, provides it through Christ, and then works it out in us by the Holy Spirit.
---
Matthew 5:20 stands within the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), which is the foundational manifesto of the kingdom of God. Jesus is speaking primarily to His disciples (Matthew 5:1-2), but in the hearing of the crowds. He is not addressing pagans; He is addressing people who already value the Scriptures and consider themselves God’s people.
Two groups are mentioned directly:
In the eyes of ordinary Jews, these were the most righteous people available. If anyone would enter the kingdom of heaven, it must surely be them. So when Jesus says, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven,” His words are shocking.
In Matthew 5:17–20, Jesus clarifies His relationship to the law:
> “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” (v.17)
Then He affirms the continuing authority of the law, down to the smallest stroke (v.18), and warns against relaxing its commands (v.19). Only then does He state the requirement: a surpassing righteousness.
The context is clear:
Immediately following Matthew 5:20, Jesus illustrates what this surpassing righteousness looks like:
The song faithfully reflects this structure: moving from outward prohibitions (murder, adultery) to inward realities (anger, lust) and finally to the provision of Christ’s righteousness and the need for inner transformation.
We must feel the weight of this setting: Jesus is not giving us “helpful tips.” He is proclaiming the entrance requirements of the kingdom of heaven.
---
Let us examine two key words that illuminate this passage and the song.
### 1. “Righteousness” – *dikaiosynē* (δικαιοσύνη)
The Greek word in Matthew 5:20 is dikaiosynē.
In the Old Testament, the corresponding Hebrew concept is tsedaqah (צְדָקָה), often used of:
Dikaiosynē is not merely:
It means: being in right standing with God and living in right relationship with Him and others, according to His revealed standard.
The song uses “righteousness” in three dimensions:
1. As God’s requirement (“Unless your righteousness goes far beyond…”).
2. As Christ’s gift (“Now His righteousness covers us by faith”).
3. As inner transformation (“Heart-deep change that honors the King”).
The same biblical word holds these aspects together. Righteousness is both a status (justified) and a lifestyle (holy living). The song keeps them in proper order: first imputed (given), then imparted (lived out).
### 2. “Heart” – *kardia* (καρδία)
The Greek word for “heart” is kardia, from which we get “cardiac.” In Scripture, the “heart” is not just emotions. It is the inner core of a person, including:
In Hebrew, the common word is lev (לֵב) or levav (לֵבָב). It speaks of:
When the song says:
> “God looks deeper, straight into the heart”
> “Already committed it deep in the heart”
> “Be pure inside, not just on the outside”
> “True righteousness starts within”
It is aligning exactly with Scripture:
> “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
> “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
This shows us that Jesus is not mainly concerned with religious cosmetics. He addresses the kardia—the inner center of our being. A righteousness that does not reach and change the heart is not the righteousness of the kingdom.
---
### A. “Unless your righteousness goes far beyond…”
> “I tell you the truth
> Unless your righteousness goes far beyond
> That of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees
> You will never enter the kingdom of heaven
> Their outward rules look good on the outside
> But God looks deeper, straight into the heart”
This stanza captures the fundamental contrast:
Jesus repeatedly exposed the Pharisees for this very issue:
> “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence.” (Matthew 23:25)
> “For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” (Matthew 23:27)
Here we see a strategic tactic of Satan in religion: substitute the external for the internal. If he can persuade people that correct rituals, correct doctrine, or visible morality are sufficient, he keeps them from ever seeking the heart transformation that God requires.
The song echoes God’s verdict on such religion: “God looks deeper, straight into the heart.”
This exposes:
Scripture everywhere insists that God’s assessment begins and ends with the heart:
### B. Anger, Contempt, and Reconciliation
> “It’s not enough to say you’ve never killed
> Anyone who stays angry with a brother or sister
> Is just as guilty before God
> Anyone who curses another in their heart
> Already stands in danger of the fire of judgment
> Make peace quickly—reconcile while there’s time”
This stanza is a clear exposition of Matthew 5:21–26:
> “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder…’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court… whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” (vv.21–22)
The outward command: “Do not murder.”
Jesus’ application: The murderous spirit is present in persistent anger, contempt, and cursing.
Notice the progression:
The song rightly says “Is just as guilty before God.” This does not mean that anger and murder have the same social consequence, but they share the same root in the heart: hatred, rejection, contempt.
1 John 3:15 states this plainly:
> “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”
Then the song emphasizes reconciliation:
> “Make peace quickly—reconcile while there’s time”
This reflects Jesus’ command:
> “First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” (Matthew 5:24)
> “Make friends quickly with your opponent at law…” (v.25)
This shows us the relational dimension of righteousness:
Spiritual warfare often begins here. Many believers seek deliverance but hold onto bitterness or grievance. That is a legal ground for the enemy. Heart-deep righteousness requires active pursuit of peace.
### C. Lust and Inner Purity
> “You’ve heard ‘Do not commit adultery’
> But I say anyone who looks with lust
> Has already committed it deep in the heart
> Be pure inside, not just on the outside
> Guard your thoughts, keep your heart clean
> True righteousness starts within”
This stanza expounds Matthew 5:27–30:
> “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (vv.27–28)
Again, Jesus moves from outward behavior to inner attitude. The Pharisees might legitimately boast: “I have never committed adultery physically.” Jesus replies: Have you entertained lust in your heart? Then the seed and substance of adultery is already present.
Lust (*epithumia*) means a strong desire, especially for what God forbids. In the area of sexual purity, this is one of the fiercest battlefields of our time. The song’s counsel is entirely biblical:
Proverbs 4:23 says:
> “Watch over your heart with all diligence,
> For from it flow the springs of life.”
Heart-deep righteousness demands:
Jesus links this to radical action:
> “If your right eye causes you to stumble, tear it out… If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off…” (5:29–30)
He is not advocating literal mutilation, but decisive, uncompromising dealing with whatever leads us into sin. Heart-deep righteousness leaves no room for compromise with lustful habits, pornography, secret fantasies, or emotional adultery.
Again, this is spiritual warfare. Lust is not just psychological; it is often inflamed by unclean spirits. But unclean spirits gain access where there is agreement of the heart. The doorway must be shut at the level of desire and thought.
### D. The Law, Our Inability, and Christ’s Fulfillment
> “The law pointed to holiness we couldn’t reach
> But Jesus came to live it perfectly for us
> He fulfilled every demand, paid every debt
> Now His righteousness covers us by faith
> Not by works, but by grace we stand clean
> Yet we live it out—changed hearts, new lives seen”
Here the song moves from demand to provision. This is crucial. If we stop at Matthew 5:20 without understanding Christ’s work, we are left in despair.
The law’s function was never to save; it was to reveal:
Romans 3:20:
> “By the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.”
Galatians 3:24:
> “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.”
The song is accurate when it says, “The law pointed to holiness we couldn’t reach.” In response, God did not lower His standard; He sent His Son:
> “For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son… He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us…” (Romans 8:3–4)
Jesus:
Therefore, we can say with the song:
> “Now His righteousness covers us by faith
> Not by works, but by grace we stand clean”
This echoes Philippians 3:9:
> “…not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.”
This is the imputed righteousness of Christ—credited to our account when we believe. It is the only righteousness that can stand in God’s presence.
But the song immediately adds:
> “Yet we live it out—changed hearts, new lives seen”
This guards against a false grace that claims Christ’s righteousness but refuses transformation. Titus 2:11–12:
> “For the grace of God has appeared… instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly…”
Genuine grace does not excuse sin; it trains us to live holy. Justification (being declared righteous) is always followed by sanctification (being made holy in practice). Heart-deep righteousness is the outworking of Christ’s imputed righteousness by the power of the Holy Spirit.
### E. Righteousness from God, Lived by God’s Power
> “We need a righteousness that comes from God
> Not from keeping rules, but trusting Christ
> He makes us right, then helps us live right
> Heart-deep change that honors the King
> Surpassing the old way—by His power within”
This last stanza summarizes the theology of the New Testament concerning righteousness:
1. Source: “A righteousness that comes from God”
2. Means: “Not from keeping rules, but trusting Christ”
3. Order: “He makes us right, then helps us live right”
4. Nature: “Heart-deep change that honors the King”
5. Power: “By His power within”
This is surpassing righteousness: not more intense legalism, but a higher, deeper, Spirit-empowered life that begins in the heart and manifests in conduct.
---
### First, Renounce Self-Righteousness and Religious Appearance
We must begin where Jesus begins—with the Pharisee in us. Any trust in:
as a ground for acceptance with God must be renounced.
Proclamation:
Ask the Holy Spirit to expose hidden hypocrisy, pretense, or double life. Bring into the light what has been concealed.
### Second, Receive Christ’s Righteousness by Faith
You cannot produce the righteousness God requires. You must receive it.
Steps:
1. Acknowledge your sin and inability (Romans 3:23).
2. Believe that Christ died for your sins and rose again (Romans 10:9–10).
3. Confess Him as Lord and rely wholly on Him.
Proclamation:
Stand on this truth when accused by Satan. Your standing before God is not based on feelings or performance, but on Christ’s finished work.
### Third, Submit Your Heart to the Searchlight of the Holy Spirit
Righteousness must go heart-deep. Invite God to examine not only your actions, but:
Pray Psalm 139:23–24:
When the Spirit reveals:
This is ongoing spiritual warfare. The battleground is the heart, and the primary weapon is the Word of God applied by the Holy Spirit.
### Fourth, Walk in the Power of the Indwelling Spirit
Heart-deep righteousness is impossible in the flesh. It is the fruit of the Spirit’s work.
Practical steps:
1. Yield daily – Present your body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
2. Feed on the Word – The Word renews your mind and purifies your heart (Ephesians 5:26).
3. Pray in the Spirit – Keep yourself strong in your inner man (Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20).
4. Obey promptly – When the Spirit convicts, respond without delay.
Galatians 5:16:
> “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”
Do not focus primarily on suppressing sin; focus on yielding to the Spirit. As you walk in the Spirit, the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in you (Romans 8:4).
---
### Proclamation
Say this out loud, deliberately, in faith:
“I affirm today that the righteousness God requires is a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees. I acknowledge that I cannot attain this righteousness by my own efforts or by keeping rules. My own righteousness is as filthy rags.
I believe that Jesus Christ came not to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. He lived a perfect life of obedience, fulfilled every demand of God’s law, and paid every debt of my sin by His blood on the cross. God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on my behalf, that I might become the righteousness of God in Him.
By faith, I receive the righteousness of God in Christ. I do not trust in my works; I trust in the finished work of Jesus. I am justified by faith, not by the works of the law. His righteousness covers me; by grace I stand clean before God.
I declare that God is writing His law on my heart and mind. The Holy Spirit lives in me, changing me from the inside out. I renounce all hypocrisy, all outward show without inward reality. I submit my heart—my thoughts, desires, motives, and attitudes—to the searchlight of God.
In Jesus’ name, I choose to walk in heart-deep righteousness. I refuse anger, hatred, contempt, and unforgiveness. I refuse lust, impurity, and secret sin. I forgive those who have wronged me. I guard my heart with all diligence. Christ in me is my righteousness and my power to live right.
This surpassing righteousness is not from myself; it is the gift and work of God. I receive it, I stand in it, and by the Spirit I will walk it out. Amen.”
### Prayer
“Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for revealing Your standard of righteousness and for exposing the insufficiency of outward religion. I confess that in myself I fall short. I ask You to forgive my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.
Lord Jesus, I thank You that You fulfilled the law perfectly and bore the judgment I deserved. I receive Your righteousness by faith. Let the power of Your blood cleanse my conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
Holy Spirit, search my heart. Expose every hidden attitude that does not please You—anger, bitterness, lust, pride, hypocrisy. Bring it into the light, and give me grace to repent sincerely. Write God’s law on my heart. Produce in me the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.
I ask You to break every bondage of sin in my inner life. Where the enemy has gained a foothold through unforgiveness or impurity, I renounce his claims in the name of Jesus. Let the power of the cross and the authority of the risen Christ set me free in the depths of my heart.
Make my life an expression of heart-deep righteousness that honors the King. May others see not religious performance, but a changed heart and a new life, to the glory of God. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
No more songs available