Yet again, A.W. Pink uses the sharp word of God to pierce through the formalism that we, by nature, love. We must have clear teaching so that we will not be deceived about our own case.
How cautiously and conscientiously should we examine ourselves, testing the grounds of our hope, determining whether or not there really is in us that which meets God’s terms, whether or not our righteousness exceeds that of the religious formalist (Matthew 5:20). Nor can such a task be discharged hurriedly: “Give diligence to make your calling and election sure” (2 Pet. 1:10)—with what earnestness should we give ourselves to this work!
A.W. Pink, The Sermon on the Mount, Chapter 58