Scripture: Galatians 4:30–31; Ephesians 2:8–9
God told Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away because the son of the slave woman could not share the inheritance with the son of the free woman. Paul says this is symbolic: law and grace cannot be mixed. The old covenant was built on the blood of animals and human performance. The new covenant is built solely on the blood of Jesus and His finished work.
This is where many believers get stuck: we receive salvation by grace, then try to live the Christian life by works. We pray like this: “God, answer me because I’ve been good,” or “because I’ve done so much.” But grace teaches us to come boldly—not because we’re perfect, but because Jesus is perfect.
Does obedience matter? Yes—but not as a payment to God. Obedience is the path where we enjoy what grace already provides. When we live recklessly, guilt and shame can weaken our confidence and make receiving harder—not because God stopped loving us, but because the enemy uses condemnation to silence faith. So we live with a clear conscience, not to earn blessings, but to protect our fellowship and boldness.
Today, drop the “earning” mindset. Come to the throne of grace as a child—confident, loved, and welcomed.
Confession:
I don’t earn God’s favor—I receive it through Jesus. I approach God with boldness, by grace through faith.