The elements of righteous behavior are, we believe, generally agreed on throughout the world, from the natives in the bush to the largest cities. Perhaps the only people who are confused in the area of righteous behavior are the Christians.

Let us list a few of the several elements of righteous behavior. Many of these come from the same root. Perhaps there are important ones we have missed that you may wish to add.

Remember, the list is not infinite but finite. It is not only possible but required of every member of the Body of Christ who is chosen to work with the Lord in the establishing of His Kingdom on the earth that he or she be righteous in character and behavior.

Truthfulness; Covenant keeping; Sincerity; Purity; Gentleness; Kindness; Mercy;

A forgiving nature; Honesty; A wholesome fear of God; Obedience to God; Faithfulness; Courage; Avoiding spiritism;

Purity of speech; Patience; Endurance; Humility; Justice and fairness of behavior; Being slow to anger; Being a peacemaker.

Do not stagger at the list. These can be dealt with one at a time very successfully.

You do not have to set about to transform yourself. The Spirit of God will show you (probably already has pointed out to you) the areas He is ready to work on now. Your part is to recognize that until these are removed your present witness is harmed and your readiness to rise to meet the Lord at His appearing is endangered.

If you do not take these elements of needed change seriously you will continue to trust in imputed righteousness. But the Kingdom of God will pass you by. You cannot go against the Word of God and prosper. The believer who continues to sin will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

There is a negative and a positive dimension of righteous behavior. The negative dimension is deliverance from that which is unrighteous. The positive dimension is the forming of Christ's righteous Nature in us. It is not enough to be delivered from sin, we also must be filled with Christ's righteous personality. Jesus Christ is ready and willing to perform both of these works of righteousness for each believer who will look to Him in faith.

Righteous behavior is absolutely necessary if we are to be a true Christian.

Our change from unrighteous behavior depends on our having faith that such transformation is not only necessary but possible through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Righteousness is righteousness. The world knows what righteousness is even if the Christians do not.

Now we come to the issue: what does the New Testament say about the way in which we should regard the establishing of righteousness in our personality?

We need to look carefully at this, for the current teaching is that while righteousness was required under the old covenant it is not required under the new. If we are correct, the current teaching that God does not require Christians to live righteously, that they are saved by their belief system alone, is the most effective lie Satan has been able to manufacture. It simply is contrary to the New Testament Scriptures.

To be continued.