Old and New

There is an Old Testament and there is a New Testament. Old meaning it was before the New not meaning it is out dated by any means.

The fact that the New Testament tells of the Father’s grace in sending Jesus to us is simply the second half of the story. A story that includes 66 books separated into two halves. The first half and the second.

The first half tells of our creation and points out that we are incapable of acheiving holiness on our own. Adam, the first man created from earth, along with his wife, Eve, did not have faith in the words God spoke to them. As a result, they went against His instructions and tasted the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In other words, they trusted their own decision over God’s and set the foundation for sinful living. 39 books of this first half show us that we are incapable, on our own, to attain the holiness that the Father requires. It is meant to point out the futility of our own work in striving to be righteous, holy, and pleasing to God, due to our lack of faith in Him. In fact, it points out that we sin by thinking of ourselves to be comparable and equal to God. Chapter 7 and verse 18 of Romans records Paul’s explanation of our battle.

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

Thus, enter the 27 books of the New Testament explaining the Father’s gift solution to us. Jesus, the Son of God , willingly allows Himself to come to earth, in human form, to help us achieve the holiness we require. Jesus, saves us from the futility of our striving. Romans 10:9

1. Unholiness is sin and sin results in the penalty of death and separation from God. Jesus paid that debt. Romans 6:23. John 3:16

2. We cannot become holy in our own strength. Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit and His Word to guide us. 1Tim 3:17, John 14:26.

All of us start out with the inherited self focus that Adam passed down. The self focus that keeps us from having faith in God. The Bible tells us that God looks for those who have faith in Him and offers them His grace described in the scripture verses above and below.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

1. Believe in God, and have faith in Him alone.

2. Open your heart to receive His grace

Don’t take another breath without reading and considering these scriptures. As a result, if you have the tiniest bit of faith in His existence, take this moment to ask Him to increase your faith. Continue by asking Him to forgive you for having more faith in yourself than in Him. In your heartfelt faith in Him alone, ask Him to pour out His grace into your life.

The scriptures say, Jesus is the only way to the Father and eternal life. Tell God, you have faith that His sctipture is true and you are turning away from a life which is self centered and you are now making Jesus the center of your life.