The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is not simply behavior modification. God is primarily interested in the condition of our hearts, not simply our outward habitual practices.
It is true that a changed heart is evidenced by a changed life, i.e. the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25, Romans 6, etc.). But what is the event that is causing this change, something God did or people did?
Changing our outward behavior of our own effort will not justify us before a holy and righteous God when the Day of Judgment comes. It is only through faith, trust and hope in Christ alone, His work of redemption and resurrection, that secure the way to eternal life. And this is all a work of God's grace alone which He does within His elect, His beloved Church.
The motives of the heart change dramatically and are now driven by a desire to please God and remain aligned according to His will, glorifying His name. Behavior modification is just exchanging one idol (drugs, gangs, self autonomy) for another (hobby, AA, family & children). The Bible calls us to worship God alone. Jesus Christ came to redeem those who He has chosen; to free them from the power and slavery to sin and give them eternal life.
Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.
John 17:3
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