At salvation, the believer receives the gift of righteousness. This gift of righteousness is the reason a believer can walk into the presence of God without fear. This righteousness is the righteousness of Christ imputed to the believer by reason of his new creation status.

Romans 5:17 says, "For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ"( NLT).

A child of God that is bloodwashed is righteous because it is a gift from God. Paul says, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him"( 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV).

Though the believer have received the gift of righteousness, he may not be walking righteously. In fact, the gift of righteousness received at salvation is in its potential state as the believer will still need to learn how to walk in it and make right living his/ daily reality. How can that be achieved?

The tool for receiving accurate instruction on how to walk in true righteousness is the inspired word of God. The word of God is profitable for instructing the believer in righteousness. The gift of righteousness is not enough, it must produce fruit in the lives of believers.

In Philippians 1:11 says, "being filled with the FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God"( KJV).

There is a possibility that the believer may not see the blurred lines between righteousness and unrighteousness. The inspired word of God will help him see it clearly. That is why the believer must be addicted to the word and stay where it is rightly taught.

Dear preacher, your job description includes instructing God's people in righteousness through the word. Do not assume the flock knows what is right. Instruct them on right living.