There are multiple contrasts between the old covenant of the…

There are multiple contrasts between the old covenant of the law and the new covenant of grace; one of the most significant differences is in our prayer lives. Under the law, the people had to pray to get God to do something for them. Under grace, our prayers reflect our thanks and praise for what Jesus did for us on the cross. Grace-based prayer is based on the finished works of Jesus Christ. Many of the prayers we have become accustomed to—even the Lord’s Prayer—technically fall under the law. By comparison, New-Testament prayer is basically saying back to God what Christ has already accomplished under the new covenant. Religious, law-based prayer accomplishes nothing; we see results only through prayers uttered in faith, according to what was finished two thousand years ago.

The differences between the law and grace are significant. We must understand them. ***For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17).*** There is a contrast between the law and grace; what was true under the law that came by Moses may no longer be true under the grace that came by Jesus.

We must also be aware of the contrast between servanthood and sonship; between spirit and flesh; between life before the cross and life after the cross; and between the requirements for salvation and for blessings. Under grace, we are already forgiven because of what Jesus did.

***For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace (Romans 6:14 KJV).***

***Roman 6:14 (NLT) Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.***

Sin cannot and will not ever again be our master because we are no longer subject to the law. What does it mean that we are not under the law?

1. We are not under the law’s demands, as were the people of the Old Testament.

2. We are not under curse implied by the impossible standard of the law (see Galatians 3:10-14).

3. We are not under its system of requirements, the ceremonial laws that had to be meticulously kept.

4. We are not under the fear of failing the just standard of the law.

If believers were still under the law, then the sin would have to be master. By itself, the law produces both the proof and the acute awareness of sin but cannot direct or motivate a person to do what is right. Instead, believers are free by God’s grace because only grace can overcome sin. Only by living in that grace can we defeat the power of sin in our lives. When our lives are under the law alone, sin is our master. But when we live under grace, our master is God.