We all want to be righteous. We act as if that’s who we are. We cover  our sins as if they don’t exist. But only Jesus can take our sins away.  Only he can offer us true peace that comes with the forgiveness of sins.  Knowing what Jesus has done for us makes it so that we don’t have to be  afraid to confess our guilt. Yes, I have sinned. Yes, I do deserve  God’s wrath and condemnation. I deserve hell. In my life, in my heart  are wicked things so shameful they make me weep. But God directs my  tear-filled eyes to look to the cross. He says, “Do you see what I have  done? There’s your judgment. There’s your condemnation. There’s your  hell. It’s on Jesus. His perfect life and innocent sacrifice has saved  you. It’s with his name that I have washed you of your guilt in Baptism.  It’s with his holy body and blood that you are fed.”

Sermon on Matthew 5:21–37 by Pastor Seth Georgson