The "ticket to Heaven" doctrine has little or no relationship to the new covenant. The purpose of the new covenant is to produce people who practice righteousness. The first aspect of the Kingdom of God is righteousness—not imputed righteousness but the righteous personality that is developed in us as we abide in the Lord Jesus.

The goals of the Christian salvation are (1) to be changed into the image of the Lord:

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29)

And (2) to be brought into untroubled union with God through the Lord Jesus:

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 17:21)

It is only as we attain these two goals that we can walk in close fellowship with God.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. (II Corinthians 6:17)

It is only as we attain these two goals that we are available for the numerous roles and relationships of the Kingdom of God, such as being a member of the Bride of the Lamb, a brother of the Lord Jesus, and a member of the royal priesthood.

The Book of Romans Is Addressed First to Jews

Perhaps the major foundation of Christian theology relating to Divine grace is found in the Book of Romans, Chapters Two through Five. It is here we find such basic statements as the following:

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:5)

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1)

Since the foundation of our doctrine is found in these four chapters, perhaps we should consider to whom Paul was writing. We understand that Paul was addressing Jews, and Gentiles as well; but Gentiles who were being taught by the Judaizers that in order to be saved they must keep the Law of Moses.

It is clear that in the opening chapters Paul is addressing Jews, as we shall see in a moment. Later Paul turns to the Gentiles.

For example:

For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: (Romans 9:3)

Do you see how Paul is beginning to speak to Gentiles?

Now notice:

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: (Romans 11:13)

Let us look now at some passages revealing that Paul had Jews in mind when he was writing the early chapters of Romans.

Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, (Romans 2:17)

Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? (Romans 2:23)

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? (Romans 4:1)

To be continued.