Wednesday
Reading: Hebrews 8:6-13; 2 Corinthians 3:4-6
SOAP: 2 Corinthians 3:4-6
Now we have such confidence in God through Christ. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as if it were coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who made us adequate to be servants of a new covenant not based on the letter but on the Spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
The old covenant required the people of God to keep God’s law perfectly. It was a promise made between humanity and God. Because God’s people could not keep the law, animal sacrifices had to be made to atone for sin. Knowing that humans cannot save themselves through obedience and works, God revealed a new covenant.
The new covenant does not depend on humans. It is fully dependent on God. He would send the last priest to perform the last sacrifice to atone for the sins of His people, once and for all. Since the new covenant relies solely on Jesus, it is a better covenant. It is now all about grace.
Lord, we ask that You help us marvel at this new covenant You have made with Your people, and that includes us. Help us to understand how deep our corruption goes and, that without the work of Jesus, we would be lost forever. Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your Son for us.