God never changes. His goal for man never changes. We are to practice righteousness, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. When we are not doing this we are not pleasing the Lord. God forgives us as long as we are making progress toward this goal. But to believe the goal for man has changed such that God's will is that we "believe in Christ" and then do not proceed in the program of moral transformation is to make the Kingdom of God a house of cards having no real substance.

God's will is that righteousness and praise spring forth through His Church in the sight of the saved nations of the earth. We are to let the light of our good works shine so people glorify God.

One modern translation claims that the righteousness which is to spring forth from us is imputed, or ascribed righteousness while we continue in our sinful behavior. Since such a notion is neither logical (how could imputed righteousness spring forth in the sight of the nations?) nor scriptural, how did this translation of Isaiah 62:1,2 ever pass the board of Christians who authorized the translation?

How can the nations possibly see our righteousness when it is only ascribed to us, not actually wrought in us? One can see the depth of confusion and misunderstanding engendered by the concept of the "state of grace."

But a new day is here. God is showing us plainly, from First John, Hebrews, and the writings of Paul, that the new covenant is God's means of writing His eternal moral law in our minds and hearts until we indeed become living epistles. These texts have always been in the New Testament but it appears we have not been able to perceive them for some reason.

He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. (Psalms 24:5—NIV)

Who will receive blessing from the Lord? Whom will the Lord vindicate?

Then, now, and always, the righteous individual who maintains a pure heart, who loves God above all else, and who guards his speech. He will stand with the Lord on Mount Zion. He is not defiled with women (idols); he has kept himself pure; he follows the Lamb in righteousness wherever the Lamb goes; there is no lie in his mouth.

Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. Selah (Psalms 24:6—NIV)

If we would gain the second part of our inheritance, which is conformity to the moral image of the Lord, we must seek the Lord constantly. "Pray without ceasing," Paul advised us. It is true. The only way we are going to survive during the age of moral horrors which is upon us is by walking in the Lord's Presence at all times. There never is to be a moment when we are not aware of His will for us. Such fellowship with God is developed through much practice. It is the generation of righteous believers who will cross over Jordan and gain the land of promise. The present level of Christian consecration and diligence is not adequate for the spiritual darkness that is coming upon us.

To be continued.