The Gospel of Matthew is about Jesus coming to save people from their sins, as opposed to people being able to achieve their own salvation through good works.
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
We don’t do the things we see in the Sermon on the Mount to GAIN acceptance from God. We do them BECAUSE we HAVE BEEN accepted by God.
Question needing to be answered: Do you want Jesus to rule and reign in your life?