Without an understanding of the nature of grace, life is a constant struggle to do good things through our self-efforts, but failing. The requirements for pleasing God changed between the Law of Moses of the children of Israel and the grace of God for born-again believers. The difference in mindsets is radical; if we don’t pick up on it, we go back to trying to live by the old, expired law. By contrast, properly dividing between the systems gives us much better results.  

The old covenant was conditional and based on the concept that man had to do something, first, to get God to bless him. If the people were willing and obedient, only then could they eat the good of the land. Only if man observed all of the commandments would God set him high above all the nations of the earth; if not, multiple curses would overtake him.

Most churches still preach this, which instills fear in people and traps them in the same place. Thankfully, the finished works of Jesus Christ released us from bondage to constantly striving in dead works. Salvation is one example. Before Jesus’ death and resurrection, eternal life was attainable only by following all the commandments; afterward, the only requirement was to believe in Jesus.  

Prayer is another example. Before the cross, mankind had to beg God not to cast him away from His presence; after the cross, God promises that He’ll never, ever leave us. Forgiveness is a third example. Before the cross, man was required to forgive others, first, before he could receive forgiveness from God; after the cross, we can forgive others because God has already forgiven us.

Mankind couldn’t keep the law because it was too perfect. Thankfully, under grace, the Holy Spirit helps us keep God’s new covenant law of love. God working in us giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases Him takes the pressure off us. This is a game-changer.

Prayer:

Lord, under the Law of Moses, life was difficult and frustrating, and man was unable to follow all Your commandments. You had mercy on us and sent Your Son to replace the law with grace, which has the added benefit of the Holy Spirit to guide us in love. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scriptures:

Isaiah 1:19

Deuteronomy 28:1-3, 15

Matthew 19:16, 17

Acts 16:30, 31

Psalm 51:11

Hebrews 13:5, AMPC

Mark 11:25, 26

Ephesians 4:32

Philippians 2:13, NLT