Embracing the New Covenant: Freedom Through the Cross

Devotional

Day 1: The Cross Transforms Our Righteousness

The cross marks the end of striving for righteousness through our own efforts and ushers in a new covenant where righteousness is a gift from God, received by faith. No longer are we bound to a performance-based relationship with God, where doing good earns blessing and failure brings curse. Instead, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law on our behalf, and His obedience is credited to us. This means that, as believers, we are as righteous as Jesus Himself—not because of our works, but because of His finished work. Let this truth free you from the yo-yo of self-effort and root you in the confidence of God’s unchanging acceptance. [01:14:21]

Romans 10:4 (ESV)
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you still feel you need to “earn” God’s approval? How can you intentionally rest in the gift of Christ’s righteousness today?

Day 2: The Law Fulfilled and Written on Our Hearts

Jesus did not abolish the law but fulfilled it, and now, through the Holy Spirit, the law of love is written on our hearts. The old covenant demanded outward compliance, but the new covenant empowers us from within. The Spirit of God now dwells in us, enabling us to live out God’s love and holiness not by striving, but by the overflow of His presence. We are no longer under threat of losing God’s favor or His Spirit; instead, we live from a place of security, knowing we are clean and accepted. The river of God’s life flows from within, transforming us and empowering us to walk in His ways. [01:17:17]

Matthew 5:17 (ESV)
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

Reflection: How does knowing God’s law is now written on your heart by the Spirit change the way you approach obedience and holiness today?

Day 3: Forgiveness Is a Gift, Not a Reward

Forgiveness under the new covenant is not something we earn or maintain by our own efforts; it is a once-for-all gift given through Jesus’ sacrifice. Unlike the old covenant, where forgiveness was temporary and conditional, in Christ we are fully and eternally forgiven. This means we don’t have to live in fear of losing God’s presence or acceptance when we fail. Instead, we can confess, receive His grace, and continue walking in the freedom He purchased for us. Let this assurance of forgiveness empower you to extend grace to others and to live boldly as a beloved child of God. [01:29:00]

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Reflection: Is there an area where you struggle to believe you are truly forgiven? How can you let God’s complete forgiveness shape your attitude toward yourself and others today?

Day 4: Living from Blessing, Not for Blessing

In the new covenant, we no longer strive to earn God’s blessing or favor; instead, we live from the fullness of what Christ has already accomplished. Every spiritual blessing has been lavished upon us in Christ, and we are invited to receive and walk in them by faith. This shift from working for acceptance to living from acceptance transforms our relationship with God and others. We are empowered to be generous, to expect God’s promises, and to live with joy and confidence, knowing that His favor and love are already ours. [01:39:22]

Ephesians 1:3 (ESV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

Reflection: What is one promise or blessing of God you have hesitated to receive? How can you step into it by faith today, trusting it is already yours in Christ?

Day 5: The Power of the Cross for All People

The cross is the tipping point of history, offering forgiveness, righteousness, and new life to the whole world—not just to a select few. God’s love is so vast that He gave Jesus for everyone, and anyone who believes in Him receives eternal life. This is the message we are called to share: that in Christ, all are invited into relationship, acceptance, and the fullness of God’s love. As you reflect on the power of the cross, let it stir your heart to gratitude and to sharing this good news with those around you. [01:41:59]

John 3:16 (ESV)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the gift of Jesus and the power of the cross? How can you share this message of hope and love with them this week?

Sermon Summary

What a joy to gather together and reflect on the power and beauty of the cross! Today, we explored the profound shift that took place in history through Jesus’ sacrifice, moving us from the old covenants into the glorious reality of the new covenant. We looked at how God related to humanity through three main covenants: the Abrahamic (a covenant of grace and pedigree), the Mosaic (a covenant of works and performance), and finally, the new covenant in Christ, which is a covenant of grace, righteousness, and sonship.

The cross stands as the dividing line of history, not just for Christians, but for the whole world. Before the cross, righteousness was something to be achieved through performance—do good, get good; do bad, get bad. But the old covenant exposed humanity’s inability to keep God’s perfect law. The law itself was never the problem; it was always the weakness of people under it. No one could attain the righteousness required, so God, in His mercy, sent Jesus to fulfill the law perfectly on our behalf.

Now, through the cross, righteousness is no longer something we strive for, but a gift we receive by faith. We are credited with the very righteousness of Christ. Our standing before God is not based on our performance, but on Jesus’ finished work. This changes everything: we are now as holy and accepted as Jesus is, not because of what we do, but because of what He has done.

This new covenant reality means we live from a place of acceptance, love, and favor, not striving to earn it. The blessings of God flow from the inside out, from the river of life within us, not from external performance. The law is still perfect and instructive, but it no longer serves as the basis for our righteousness. Instead, the law of love is written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live out God’s purposes.

Many principles and promises from the whole Bible still apply, but they must be interpreted through the cross. Practices like worship, faith, generosity, and even giving are transformed by the new covenant. We don’t give or serve to earn God’s favor, but because we already have it. The cross is the tipping point of history, and everything we need—righteousness, forgiveness, love, favor, and blessing—flows from Jesus’ finished work.

Key Takeaways

1. The Cross as the Fulcrum of History The cross is not just a symbol, but the very point where all of history pivots. Before the cross, humanity was under covenants that required performance and pedigree, but through Jesus’ sacrifice, a new covenant was established for all people. This new reality means that our relationship with God is no longer based on our ability to keep the law, but on Christ’s perfect obedience credited to us. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and the foundation of our new identity. [62:38]
2. Righteousness: From Striving to Receiving Under the old covenant, righteousness was a standard no one could reach; it was always about striving, performing, and never quite measuring up. In the new covenant, righteousness is a gift—Jesus’ perfect record is given to us by faith. This means we are as accepted and holy as Jesus, not because of our works, but because of His. Living from this gift empowers us to walk in true freedom and joy, no longer bound by the fear of not being enough. [74:21]
3. The Law: Still Perfect, But Not Our Basis God’s law remains perfect, reflecting His love and character, but it was never meant to be the means by which we attain righteousness. The law now serves as a guide and a mirror, showing us our need for Christ and instructing us in love. The Holy Spirit writes the law of love on our hearts, enabling us to live out God’s purposes from the inside out, rather than through external compulsion. [75:48]
4. Living From Blessing, Not For Blessing The old covenant was a treadmill of performance—always working toward acceptance, blessing, and favor. In the new covenant, we live from a place of already being blessed, accepted, and favored in Christ. This shift from working for to working from transforms our motivation, our worship, and our generosity. The river of God’s life flows from within us, empowering us to live out our calling with confidence and joy. [77:17]
5. Interpreting the Whole Bible Through the Cross While many principles and promises from the Old Testament remain, they must be filtered through the finished work of Jesus. Practices like worship, faith, and generosity are elevated and transformed in the new covenant. We don’t give, serve, or worship to earn God’s favor, but because we already have it in Christ. The cross is the lens through which we understand our identity, our inheritance, and our purpose in God’s kingdom. [96:04]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[01:30] - Introduction: The Power of the Cross
[02:50] - Review of Biblical Covenants
[05:10] - Abrahamic, Mosaic, and New Covenants Explained
[08:00] - The Cross: Dividing Line of History
[10:30] - Understanding the Old vs. New Covenant
[13:00] - Righteousness: Performance vs. Gift
[16:00] - The Law’s Purpose and Limitations
[19:00] - Jesus Fulfills the Law for Us
[22:00] - Living From Acceptance and Blessing
[25:00] - Interpreting the Bible Through the Cross
[28:00] - Principles That Go Through the Cross: Worship, Faith, Generosity
[32:00] - The Power of Generosity and Sowing
[35:00] - Miracles and the Promises of God
[38:00] - Responding to the Gift: Salvation Invitation
[41:00] - Communion: Celebrating the New Covenant

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 10:4 (ESV) — > For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

2. Hebrews 8:7-8 (ESV)
> For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. For he finds fault with them when he says: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah…”

3. 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (ESV)
> For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Observation Questions

According to Romans 10:4, what does it mean that Christ is “the end of the law for righteousness”? How does this relate to the old and new covenants? [01:12:01]
In Hebrews 8:7-8, what was the problem with the first (old) covenant, and why was a new covenant needed? [01:10:00]
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, what does Jesus say about the cup and the new covenant during the Last Supper? How does this act mark a shift in God’s relationship with humanity? [01:02:38]
The sermon described the old covenant as a “treadmill of performance” and the new covenant as living “from blessing, not for blessing.” What examples did the pastor give to illustrate this difference? [01:17:17]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says, “Our standing before God is not based on our performance, but on Jesus’ finished work.” How does this truth challenge the way people often approach their relationship with God? [01:14:21]
The pastor explained that the law is still perfect and instructive, but it is no longer the basis for our righteousness. What does it look like to let the “law of love” be written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit? [01:15:48]
The message emphasized that many Old Testament promises and principles still apply, but must be interpreted “through the cross.” What are some practical ways to filter our understanding of Scripture through Jesus’ finished work? [01:36:04]
The sermon mentioned that “righteousness is now a gift we receive by faith.” How does this change the way we view holiness, forgiveness, and our identity as God’s children? [01:14:21]

Application Questions

The pastor said, “Many Christians are still living a yo-yo life, not realizing which covenant they are in.” Are there areas in your life where you find yourself striving to earn God’s acceptance or blessing? What would it look like to live from a place of already being accepted and blessed? [01:10:00]
The message described the cross as the “tipping point of history” and the foundation of our new identity. How does seeing yourself as “as holy and accepted as Jesus” (because of what He has done) affect your confidence, your prayers, or your daily choices? [01:14:21]
The pastor shared that the law now serves as a guide and a mirror, not as a way to earn righteousness. Is there a command or principle from Scripture that you have been using as a measuring stick for your worth? How can you shift your mindset to see it as guidance rather than a requirement for acceptance? [01:15:48]
The sermon said, “The river of God’s life flows from within us, empowering us to live out our calling with confidence and joy.” What is one area where you need to let God’s life flow through you, rather than trying to make things happen in your own strength? [01:17:17]
The message talked about generosity, worship, and faith being transformed by the new covenant. Is there a spiritual practice (like giving, serving, or worship) that you have been doing out of obligation? How could you approach it differently, knowing you already have God’s favor? [01:36:04]
The pastor said, “You will never be more forgiven tomorrow because you confessed all these things than you are today because it’s a gift from God.” How does this truth impact the way you deal with guilt, shame, or past mistakes? [01:29:00]
The sermon encouraged us to interpret the whole Bible through the lens of the cross. Is there a story, command, or promise from the Old Testament that you have struggled to understand? How might looking at it through Jesus’ finished work bring new clarity or freedom? [01:36:04]

Sermon Clips

It's all about the power of the cross. And I'll go as far as I can today in the time that has been allocated to me. But let's go on a journey and to see how we can see the power of the cross in light of the covenants and how it relates to our own personal lives. [01:00:55] (16 seconds) #PowerOfTheCrossJourney

It's very important that we know and have clarity how God relates to humanity and relates to Christians. That's why it's important to know what has happened with these covenants to give us clarity and confidence of our relationship with Him. [01:01:18] (16 seconds) #CovenantClarityConfidence

God chose to give us a new covenant that was based on the perfect obedience of Jesus. But that's really wonderful, isn't it? So, it's the perfect obedience of Jesus as He, Jesus, walked this earth, and He perfectly obeyed all the laws for us. And so, now, this beautiful fulfillment of the law is now gifted to us. This righteousness that He has, and He had, has now been gifted to you and me, because we could never do this. [01:12:01] (38 seconds) #JesusFulfilledTheLaw

The key to understanding this whole thing about the power of the cross and who you're with and what covenant you're in is that Jesus fulfilled the law for me. He lived a perfect life for me and for you. Amen? And then His righteousness becomes our righteousness. By faith, we receive this righteousness. [01:14:08] (25 seconds) #HolyAsJesus

You are, if you're a Christian, you are as holy as Jesus is. Well, He's blimmin' holy. Like, He's God. That's how holy you are. Both by being born again, but also just as a declaration and as a gift from God. That's good news, right? [01:14:57] (15 seconds) #LawRootedInLove

He even says if you're not perfect like my father is perfect, you're in trouble and everybody says how can I be as perfect as your father is perfect it's only one way because of Jesus he makes us perfect the only way can be is a gift and that's why Christians are such happy Christians in our lives isn't that beautiful. [01:17:56] (19 seconds) #FlowFromTheCross

I want you to see that the flow of blessing, the flow of righteousness, the flow of love, the flow of everything before the cross, not your covenant, but before the cross, it's in your Bible before the cross, it goes that way. You always have to work and perform towards being loved, being accepted, being righteous, being awesome, being whatever, it's always a working towards. That's what is the power of the cross because after the cross you flow from the other side. You now flow from having been made perfect, having been made perfectly forgiven, having been made righteous, having been made holy, having given faith. [01:19:00] (36 seconds) #ForeverCleanInChrist

For one we are clean forever now you made a mistake sure you can say sorry and you confess and it's fine but you're still clean so the thing is though he's already forgiven you right I mean that happened like 2,000 years ago and so the thing is though in this way it's powerful and you can't say Lord don't send your Holy Spirit away from me he will never be away from you he's one spirit with you you're seated with him in heavenly places what are you talking about makes no sense whatsoever. [01:20:50] (25 seconds) #StartAtTheFinishLine

You will never be loved more than you are loved today. He's not interested in your performance or in anything that you think that would attain more kindness or more love from God. Now, does he love that you do good things? Of course he does. I'm not talking about that. But the thing is, though, your acceptance grace, your acceptance love of God will never change. It's always the same. You're a loved son and daughter of God because it's a gift from God. He gave us his love. It's so powerful. [01:30:58] (30 seconds) #FavorFlowsFromGrace

Miracles are normal in this house, in the New Covenant. Jesus was a miracle man. And so we can do miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit which is in us. For all God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ. All of them. Here too. You've got to go in Christ. Christ. Yeah? Beautiful. And through Christ, our amen, which is saying yes. You engage with those principles. You live by them. Things happen in your life. You can expect the promise of God to happen in your life. It's agreement that he's looking for to say yes. It's all been given to you. It's for you to exercise the principles. Exercise the promises. [01:39:06] (47 seconds) #AmenToGodsPromises

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