God’s New Covenant of Grace
(Day 22 – 14 Mar, Sat)
“I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people… For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:10–12
During the school holidays in 2025, I felt a renewed motivation to read the Bible more regularly. I set a goal to complete the entire Bible within a year. For some reason, I decided to start with the Twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament (Hosea to Malachi), thinking they were a part of the Bible that people rarely talk about.
As I worked through these books, I began to see why many people find them challenging. It was not because they were difficult to understand, but because a repeated pattern kept appearing: Israel sinned, God warned and punished them, yet even in judgment there remained hope for restoration.
The Israelites repeatedly turned away from God through idolatry, corruption, and immorality. In response, God allowed other nations to discipline them as a way of correcting and purifying His people. Reading these books helped me see how the old covenant emphasised obedience to God’s laws, and how persistent disobedience often led to severe consequences.
Today, however, we live under the new covenant through Jesus Christ. Unlike the old covenant, the new covenant focuses on internal transformation and a personal relationship with God. In the Old Testament, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies to meet with God, and sacrifices had to be offered repeatedly to atone for sin. But now, because of Jesus, we can approach God directly in prayer and enjoy an intimate relationship with Him—regardless of our age, status, or position (Hebrews 8:11).
Growing up, whenever I made mistakes—whether through carelessness, laziness, or mischief—I was often met with scoldings or criticism, which were common forms of discipline in many Asian households.
Over time, I realised I had begun treating myself the same way. When I made mistakes, my first instinct was negative self-talk. The same happened when I sinned. I would condemn myself, feeling ashamed that I still struggled even though I knew what was right.
However, as I spent more time reading God’s Word, I began to understand that obedience to God also means accepting His new covenant. Through Jesus, our sins and wickedness have already been forgiven (Hebrews 8:12), even when we do not feel deserving of it. God’s grace is greater than any sin we can commit. When we continue condemning ourselves, it may reflect a subtle pride—as if Christ’s sacrifice were not enough.
Even today, overcoming self-condemnation is something I am still learning. But I find peace in God’s covenant promises. As we remain humble and obedient, we grow in our knowledge of the Lord and can rest in the assurance that He is our God and we are His people.
Samuel Chew🙏✝️
W.O.W Youth Cell