Faith Over PerfectionSample

Read: Genesis 17; Romans 4:9–12; Galatians 6:12–16 

SOAP: Galatians 6:14–15

But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that matters is a new creation! 

The nature of a covenant is that both parties must maintain certain standards or fulfill certain obligations. We may not always call them covenants today, but we engage in contractual obligations all the time. A covenant of marriage means both a husband and wife will love, honor, and remain faithful to the other. A contract between a landlord and a tenant means the tenant won’t ruin the residence, and if they do, there will be financial penalties. 

Covenants with God are different. When God makes a covenant, it shows more about His character and His ability to keep His promises than it shows about those with whom He makes the covenant.

The Abrahamic covenant was solidified when God made a promise to Abram. Over a decade later, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham and gave him a requirement for the covenant. Changing Abram’s name signified a change of his circumstance: God would provide him with a son through Sarai within a year. Their new names, Abraham and Sarah, were reminders of God’s renewed pledge and promise. The new requirement of the covenant–circumcision–did not save Abraham: his faith did. Circumcision was the sign God gave to Abraham, his household, and all those who would know him, that he had been set apart by God. Circumcision signified that Abraham and his family were willing participants in God’s covenant. 

In the same way, circumcision did not save Abraham or count him as righteous, our actions today do not save us. Abraham was counted righteous before he did anything to earn his righteousness. Abraham could not boast in his actions because God had chosen to save Him by His grace alone. Nothing but faith saves us. There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. God has solidified a covenant with us through His Son, based solely on His righteousness. We are counted righteous because of Jesus. It is a free gift of God we receive through faith in Jesus Christ alone. 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for saving me. When I am overwhelmed with legalism, remind me how I can boast in nothing but You; You alone can save. Thank You for continually making me a new creation by Your grace. Amen.