June 4’s devotional.
The old covenant exposed the weakness of sinful hearts. God’s law was holy. His commands were righteous. Yet fallen people could never obey perfectly. Andre said, “The Old Testament sacrifices and rituals, robes, bells, smells, buildings could not save one soul.” That truth cuts deeply into human pride. We naturally try to earn acceptance before God. We measure ourselves against others. We promise to do better next time. But Hebrews 8:6 reminds us that Jesus “has now obtained a superior ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been established on better promises.”
Many believers quietly live under the weight of spiritual performance. They know the language of grace but still think God’s love rises and falls with their latest success or failure. Andre openly shared his own struggle with assurance as a young Christian. He repeatedly walked forward during altar calls because he feared he was still not right with God. Then the truth finally broke through. Salvation does not rest on human effort. Salvation rests on Christ alone. The law exposes sin. Grace provides a Saviour.
Andre said, “It’s not a feeling. It’s not your works… It’s all about Jesus.” That sentence strikes at the heart of the gospel. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8–9, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.” Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly. Jesus offered Himself as the once-for-all sacrifice for sin. Jesus sat down at the Father’s right hand because His saving work was complete. The old covenant demanded righteousness from sinners. The new covenant gives righteousness through Christ.
Where are you still trying to prove yourself to God? Perhaps you believe He accepts you more when your Bible reading feels strong, your prayers feel passionate, or your obedience feels consistent. Yet your standing before God never rests on your performance. It rests entirely upon Christ’s perfection. Behold the freedom of grace. Confess the pride of self-reliance. Stop carrying burdens Jesus already carried to the cross. The Father does not love His children because they perform flawlessly. He loves them because they belong to His Son.
Father, thank You that my salvation rests upon grace and not my works. Thank You for sending Jesus Christ, the perfect High Priest and the once-for-all sacrifice for sin. Forgive me for the times I try to earn what You freely give through the gospel. Teach me to rest in Christ alone. Strengthen my heart to walk in humble obedience, not to gain Your love, but because I already have it in Jesus. Amen.