An initial portion of eternal life is given to us as a gift, just as the gift of ascribed righteousness is given to us. Then, as through the Lord Jesus we begin to practice actual righteousness and holiness of behavior, the eternal life increases day by day until we have more abundant life. To not press into righteous behavior but to continue in sin and rebellion will cause the eternal life that was born in us to wither and die.

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22)

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (John 15:2)

To be actually righteous is to practice upright behavior, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). This is the summary of the Law and the Prophets. This is the Kingdom of God. This is the desire of the Lord for all people.

The true planting of the Lord always brings forth righteousness and praise in the sight of the nations of the earth.

Actual righteousness is Christ in us. When Christ is in us we practice righteousness, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

To repeat what we stated previously, if the believer would understand Divine grace under the new covenant he must maintain a clear distinction in his mind between imputed, legal righteousness, and actual righteousness of behavior. The two are not at all the same. Legal, ascribed righteousness is one of the means God employs in order to develop actual righteousness of behavior. Actual righteousness of behavior is the Divine goal under all covenants.

When we say that Christians must be righteous people we are not referring to the imputed righteousness given them initially so they may commence the program of moral reconstruction. We mean, rather, they must behave in a righteous, holy, and obedient manner.

Be sure when you are reading the New Testament, from Matthew to Revelation, that you are sensitive to the passages speaking of actual righteousness of behavior rather than imputed (ascribed) righteousness. You will discover that the great majority of the passages are referring to actual righteousness of behavior.

The atonement made by the blood of the cross makes it possible for God to see us as righteous in Christ. The need for this covering steadily decreases as Christ is formed in us. There is no need for a covering between Christ and the Father.

Ascribed righteousness is temporary, a by-pass while the highway of holiness is being constructed. Actual righteousness of personality and behavior is the goal of the Divine redemption and the eternal nature of the Kingdom of God.

We have eternal life when we receive Christ because of the righteousness ascribed to us. Eternal life always follows righteousness whether the righteousness is imputed or actual. After receiving Jesus as Lord and Christ we must press forward into righteousness and holiness of behavior, thus laying hold on an ever-increasing degree of eternal life. Eternal life always is associated with righteous behavior.

To be continued.