(Galatians 3:21,22 NLT) Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing to look at The Law given under Moses vs. the Grace provided by Jesus. Yesterday I highlighted the Purpose of the Law and we looked at the fact that it had an expiration date. To me, the Bible is explicitly clear that the Law was introduced to show people their sins, and in turn, their need for a Savior. And the Bible is also clear that the Old Covenant was never intended to be an enduring one. The Old Covenant expired once the New Covenant was introduced. Let’s continue on in this chapter and see what else Paul teaches us about this.
Paul asks, “Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises?” In other words, is there a conflict between the Old and New Covenants? Paul answers himself, “Absolutely not!” It’s not that there is a conflict, it just that there is a difference. The Old Covenant served it’s purpose for it’s time. As a matter of fact, many New Covenant truths can be seen in the types and shadows of the Old Covenant. In many ways, the New Covenant is concealed in the Old, and the shadows of the Old get revealed in the New. Furthermore, if we did not have the Law to violate, we would not acknowledge the error of our ways, nor call out to Jesus as our Savior from sin.
Paul continues, “If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it.” Once again, Paul is driving home the major difference. The Old Covenant could not make us right, but the New Covenant surely does. And finally, Paul goes on to say, “But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.”
So what does this mean to you today? Let’s seek to glean a few golden nuggets:
1. The main purpose of the Law was to show people their sins, and in turn, their need for a Savior.
2. The Old Covenant was never intended to be an enduring covenant. It expired once the New Covenant was introduced.
3. Many of the New Covenant truths can be found in the types and shadows of the Old Covenant. The New Covenant is concealed in the Old.
4. Just like the New Covenant is concealed in the Old, the Old Covenant is revealed in the New.
5. You need to understand both Covenants. If you did not have The Law to violate, you would not acknowledge the error of your ways, nor would you call out to Jesus as your Savior from sin.
6. Under the Old Covenant you are a prisoner to sin, with no way out. The New Covenant gives you access to freedom from sin, by exercising faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for taking the time to teach me about Your amazing Grace. I now understand the purpose of the Old Covenant. The Old Covenant was designed to show me the error of my ways and how I was a sinner in need of a Savior. The Law served it’s purpose in my life. I already acknowledged my sin and my need for a Savior. I called out to Jesus as both my Savior and Lord. I have given my life to Jesus and I have been Born-Again. Now, as a Born-Again, Spirit-filled, and faith-focused believer, I am no longer under the Law, but under Grace. I embrace Your Grace and I resist every attempt of the enemy to get me over into condemnation. I know that if I feel condemned, because of something I did wrong, I will not have the faith or confidence to perform Your will. Therefore, I am quick to repent when I do something wrong, and I also quickly receive forgiveness, I forgive myself, and I move on by faith. I give myself over to You, to be used of You, for Your glory, not because I am so good, but because You are. You love me and You want to use me by Your Grace. I love You and I want to perform Your will by faith. So, by faith I access Your Grace and I live the life You want me to live. Not under the condemnation of the Old Covenant, but under the freedom of the New Covenant. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
