Self-Effort vs. Redeemed Effort

When we first get saved, one of the biggest changes we undergo is a shift in mindset.

Until we learn to begin renewing our minds, we tend to think we must continue striving through our own efforts to follow a list of rules.

This was okay under the old covenant, but we are now living under the new covenant.

Religion has trained most people according to the law, which requires people to work hard to try to be righteous before God.

We now no longer have to strive for God to approve of us, because He already accepted and approved of us when we received Him.

The effort of trying to get God to do what is complete has been replaced by the effort to maintain an intimate, personal relationship with Him.

Now, the only effort required is the effort to participate in what is already finished through Jesus.