Step 2, GOODNESS

GOODNESS
{for the detailed view, click on exploring the word in the links}

We have been “saved by grace, …through faith, and created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8,10; NIV). In addition to our faith we must add moral virtue, as if to say in practicing our faith me must strive to walk in the standing which we already have in God. Christ is our righteousness before God, but we still have to practice moral excellence (Hebrews 5:14) to walk in righteousness. “Be ye Holy; for I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16). As one called out of darkness, I must live out the righteousness I now have in Christ.

“You are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [aretas] of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” (1 Peter 2:9;
NASB, brackets mine: from the Greek word arete(1) meaning also virtue or moral excellence)

1. Thayer and Smith. "Greek Lexicon entry for Arete". "The New Testament Greek Lexicon". .