‎"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

The religious interpretation comes from a works-based understanding of God's blessings: "If you seek to win souls - thereby increa...sing God's kingdom - and if you seek God's righteous through a separated, holy lifestyle, THEN God will bless you." This interpretation is seen as addressing the believer who needs to be a better Christian. This interpretation makes God's blessings conditional on YOUR works.

The right interpretation comes from a grace-based understanding of God's blessings: "If you seek to enter into God's kingdom through his Son, and thereby obtain the gift of God's righteousness through faith in Jesus, THEN you get all the blessings that God has provided for in Christ!" This interpretation is seen as addressing the unbeliever who needs to be saved. This interpretation makes God's blessings conditional on Christ's finished work.

For us believers, the Kingdom of God is within us. We don't have to seek it. We just believe it.

And we have already been made the very righteousness of God, and God grants us eternal life BECAUSE we have already been counted righteous.

What?!?! You think that God's imputed righteousness is able to bring you eternal blessings, but its not able to bring you blessings in this earthly life?