My friend, If the Bible is to be true to it's word, then it's illogical for anyone to claim that he/she is righteous before God through an action or series of actions they performed while holding scripture as proof text..

Paul would say without mincing words that Christs death would be a waste of divine resources if righteousness can be realised through our own actions..

Galatians 2:21

[21]I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

The question now is, what is this "Grace of God" he spoke of above?

Romans 4:4-5 KJV

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. [5] But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Grace is God's divine mercy displayed in Christ Jesus towards sinful men and women of this world that they will be made righteous when they believe in God, just like Abraham did, but this time by faith in the finished work of Christ Jesus.

It's explained here..

Romans 3:23-25 KJV

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

The reality is simple, the human being is unrighteous and condemned, however the moment he hears the gospel and believes, his sins are cleansed through the blood of Jesus and he is translated from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of God's Son..

Ephesians 1: 7-9

1:7 in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of offences, according to the riches of his grace;

1:8 which he has caused to abound towards us in all wisdom and intelligence,

1:9 having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself

Colossians 1:12-14

[12]Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

[13]Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

[14]In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Romans 8:1

8:1 [There is] then now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus.

This is why the Bible calls Believers, in Christ Jesus, citizens of heaven and members of God's household even while we are still on earth..

Ephesians 2:19 So then ye are no longer strangers and foreigners, but ye are fellow-citizens of the saints, and of the household of God,... 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father [of our Lord Jesus Christ],

3:15 of whom every family in [the] heavens and on earth is named,

Philippians 3:20-21

[20]But we are citizens of the state (commonwealth, homeland) which is in heaven, and from it also we earnestly and patiently await [the coming of] the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] Savior,

[21]Who will transform and fashion anew the body of our humiliation to conform to and be like the body of His glory and majesty, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself.

If this "Heavenly Race" is described as a Race to the end, like is being practiced in the Olympics, where only a few ever get the reward, then it negates the divine design of attaining heavenly citizenship.

God's desire is that all, not a few, will be saved.

1 Timothy 2:3-6

[3]For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

[4] WHO WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, AND TO COME UNTO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH.

[5]For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

[6]Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

You see, the concept of a "Heavenly Race", for the reasons above, is a logical fallacy.

So at best, the Heavenly Race has to be measured based on scriptural principles where those who get the reward, of heavenly citizenship by eternal life through faith in the finished work of Christ, get it at the VERY BEGINNING..

How does this sound to you, let's discuss?

To be continued..

As always,

Your Bishop.

Wilson Uzoeto.

The New Creation Has Come.