First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. (Acts 26:20)

God has given up trying to get people to live righteously and now asks only that we believe in Christ.

According to the Book of Hebrews, God gave us the new covenant because under the Law of Moses the people were not behaving righteously. The Law could not make the worshipers perfect.

The purpose of the new covenant is to bring forth new creations people who are in the moral image of Christ. God is making man in His image.

According to current Christian thinking, God has given up trying to make man in His image. God has decided to accept us as we are and to forgive us no matter how we behave.

This is not the case. Through the grace of Christ we are to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. We are to come out from the unclean practices of people. When we do so, God is willing to receive us.

"Therefore come out from them and be separate," says the Lord. "Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."  "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters," says the Lord Almighty. (II Corinthians 6:17,18)

The above was written to the Christians in Corinth. Does this sound like God is not concerned about righteous behavior, only that people believe in Christ?

Why do you call me, "Lord, Lord," and do not do what I say? (Luke 4:46)

That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. (Luke 12:47)

No, I beat my body and make it my slave so after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (I Corinthians 9:27)

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24)

Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. (Hebrews 2:11)

But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. (Hebrews 6:8)

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (James 2:26)

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; (I Peter 1:15)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (I Peter 2:9)

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) (Revelation 19:7,8)

To be continued.