Matthew 5:20

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Note: Jesus reveals new information here, with elaboration through verse 28, that entry to heaven requires righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees. How we acquire the required righteousness is a key point of the gospel which is addressed in subsequent verses and later throughout the New Testament. For a summary, see Romans 3:21-26.

Similar Old Testament Verses

Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.

Ezekiel 18:4

If a man is righteous and does what is just and right …
walks in my statutes, and keeps my rules by acting faithfully — he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 18:5,9

The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.

Psalm 14:2-3
Note: In Mark 10:18, Jesus says “No one is good except God alone.”

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.