Upon Our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount Discourse V · §35 · John Wesley

The way to destruction

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Whatever other way we teach to the kingdom of heaven, to glory, honor, and immortality, whether it is called the way of faith or by any other name, it is in truth the way to destruction. It will not bring a person peace at the last. For thus says the Lord, Truly I say to you, unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20).

1771 text

IV. 1. Whatever other way we teach to the kingdom of heaven, to glory, honour and immortality, be it called the way of faith, or by any other name, it is in truth, the way to destruction. It will not bring a man peace at the last. For thus saith the Lord, Verily I say unto you, except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

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About this text

The fifth sermon on the Sermon on the Mount, on Matthew 5:17-20: Christ came to fulfill the law, not to destroy it, and the righteousness that exceeds the Pharisees'.

EditionPrinted in Wesley's 1771 Works, which do not say when he preached it

Wesley's own sermon in updated English wording. The 1771 panel is the text of the Works Wesley himself had printed in 1771. It is public domain.

Reference

Sermon 25 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:17-20.

We have not yet re-checked this work against its source. We put this English text into updated wording with AI help. No scholar has yet certified it as faithful and complete. Open the 1771 text under any part to compare.

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