Because the Pharisees’ goal was to be seen by men their behavior became increasingly strange. They made up bizarre rules like how to swear, which swear was binding, which meant nothing. They complicated the meaning of righteousness to such an extent that new converts became just as much in bondage as they were. They looked religious and holy on the outside, but their insides were a mass of binding rules and regulations (Mt 23:13-22).
Remember, "We are saved through faith" (Romans 5:1) and "If when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by his life" (Romans 5:10).
Let's take a couple of deep breathes and relax.
