The Kingdom of God is not a kingdom by imputation, by ascribed perfection. It is a kingdom of actual perfection and righteousness. Imputed righteousness, the righteousness given to the new convert, is necessary because he is in chaos of personality. But Divine grace is not a Divine excuse for him to remain in chaos of personality, it is the God-given means by which he is brought gradually into the image of Christ and into harmonious union with God through Christ.

New-covenant grace indeed is a continuing pardon of our sins, but it is conditional, requiring certain behaviors on our part.

To keep "under the blood" we must continue to abide in Christ. Abiding in Christ means we seek the Lord each day, read the Scriptures, have fellowship with fervent believers (if available) on a regular basis, and obey the other commandments found in the writings of the Apostles. The blood cleanses us as we "walk in the light."

We must, through the enabling wisdom and strength of God's Spirit, do what is written. We must keep the commandments of Christ and His Apostles. We must seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Abiding in Christ is a dynamic daily experience requiring utter dedication and attention on our part. We must interact vigorously with the new-covenant plan of redemption if it is to operate in our personality.

If we abide in Christ we will bear the fruit of God's image, and He then will prune us so we bear more fruit.

If we do not abide in Christ but live carelessly in the world we will not bear the fruit of the image of Christ in our own life or in the lives of those whom we influence, even though we believe in Christ and attend church.

If we do not bear fruit we will be cut out of the Vine. God will remove us from our place in Christ. We will be cast forth as a branch and will wither and die. Then we will be thrown into the fire (John 15:2,6).

In order to receive the continuing pardon of our sins we must walk in the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14). Walking in the flesh means being preoccupied with eating, sleeping, playing, working, and reproducing. Walking in the Spirit means abiding in prayer, in the Word of God, in the unceasing consciousness that we are dead and our life is hidden with Christ in God.

Living and walking in the Spirit is living and walking in the prophetic, heavenly realm. Such a life must be cultivated continually.

Living in the Spirit is extraordinarily difficult in a materialistic culture. It is so easy for worldly pleasures and responsibilities to choke out the Word of God! But if we live according to the appetites of our body and soul we will drive out the resurrection life that is in us. We will run short of "oil."

To keep on availing ourselves of the pardon of God we must obey God. We must read the Scriptures and obey them, as Christ helps us.

Sometimes people claim that once we have eternal life we cannot lose it. Have they never encountered a backslider who is attempting to get back the joy of his salvation?—who is terrified because he thinks he may have lost the Presence of God permanently?

To be continued.