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What does the Sermon on the Mount teach us?

CONCLUSION

Argument of the Sermon

The argument developed in this paper is that the Sermon on the Mount teaches that the standard of absolute righteousness required for entrance into the kingdom which was taught by the King more than realizes the standard taught by the whole Old Testament, has immediate benefits, may be possessed by requesting it from the Father, and will save those, who have obtained it, from evil men who will attempt to prevent them from entering. Ultimately the sermon deals with the definition and acquisition of the requirement for entrance into the kingdom.

Differing Views of the Argument

The four major sources of differing views (Dr. Campbell, Dr. Toussaint, Mr. Sinclair, and Dr. Pentecost) were quite helpful. The argument in this paper disagrees with each in some area.

Kingdom Law

The basic presupposition that the Sermon on the Mount deals with the future kingdom to be set up by the Messiah at His second advent was probably developed by those who hold this position and has been adopted in the argument of this paper. However, the Kingdom Law position does not affirm without question that the sermon was written as a guide of life during the kingdom age. Numerous exceptions to the position must be taken in several instances when it is obligatory to see the Sermon addressing men before their entrance into the kingdom or defining entrance requirements. Other similar exceptions are taken when an entrance requirement interpretation seems more advisable. There is no reason why any part of the sermon must describe the rule of life during the kingdom.

Interim Law

This position is probably a refinement of the latter position. It is obvious that great quantities of the sermon deal with exhortations and commands directed to people who have not yet entered the kingdom. However, not all the exhortations are addressed to people who, according to God's requirements, have attained the entrance requirements and are awaiting entrance into the kingdom. But most important, the sermon can be considered exhortations only when the exhortations are somewhat isolated. The view of this paper is that the King uses exhortations as a teaching mode. His purpose is not exhorting for the sake of exhortation. He is exhorting for the purpose of teaching the requirements that must be attained in order to enter the kingdom, for the purpose of teaching that such requirements are unattainable by men, for the purpose of teaching that God grants them when asked, etc. This teaching mode is observed when one asks why they are grouped as they are, what is the meaning behind the progression of the various groupings, and so forth. The teaching purpose is also presented overtly in several places (5:20; 6:33; 7:21; etc.).

Meritorious Salvation

Mr. Sinclair's presentation is very informative in that it has taught us to understand how such an argument may be developed. However, there is a basic soteriological difference, merit versus grace, which cannot be accepted.

Entrance Requirements

Dr. Pentecost's position is the seed bed for this paper. The evidence of the text does point to his interpretation which understands that entrance requirements are being established. It also addresses the foundational need of the hearers, "Will my righteousness allow me to enter the kingdom?" The answer is no, your righteousness is not sufficient--you must reflect the perfection of the Father. The position of this paper adds that the way of obtaining such righteousness is also given--repent and ask the Father for it.