There is a close correlation between what we think and what we do. With this in mind, what we believe dictates how we live. Every day we see people “going through the motions” because they’re trying to satisfy a set of external rules and regulations without believing in what they’re doing. However, having faith in God’s favor instead of in our self-effort takes tremendous pressure off of us to perform.

In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses required the people to obey, first, before God could bless them. The law was too perfect for an imperfect people; therefore, God was prevented from keeping His promises because the people continually failed to keep their part of the agreement. Jesus finally came and established a more excellent ministry; He was the mediator of a better covenant established on better promises. Although the old covenant was useful in its proper age, the new covenant allows God to be merciful to people’s unrighteousness and remember their sins and iniquities no more.

Under the old agreement, the people were trapped under a heavy yoke of sin. The purpose of the law was to make men more conscious of their sinfulness, but the law was only intended to last until Jesus came. Because of Christ, sin no longer has dominion over us; we’re now not under the law, but under grace. The new covenant doesn’t focus on what we do, but on what Jesus has already done.

We’re now the beneficiaries of God’s grace. Even in our weakest times when we struggle with our faith, Jesus remains faithful to us because He can’t deny Himself. If we don’t believe in this grace, we’ll continue to slog along in our own efforts. Choosing to believe dramatically changes our lives for the better.

Prayer:

Lord, at one time the people had to toil endlessly to be righteous, but their efforts were never good enough. We’re grateful that You sent Your Son to rescue us from self-effort, make us righteous through Him, and give us better promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scriptures:

Hebrews 8:6, 12

Galatians 3:19, AMPC

Romans 6:14

2 Timothy 2:13