The New Covenant: A Covenant of Grace by Andrew Murray (Part 2 of 2)

The New Covenant: A Covenant of Grace - Understanding the Power of Grace in the Christian Life
In the New Covenant, grace is the defining characteristic that sets it apart from the Old Covenant of law. The contrast between law and grace is clear throughout Scripture, with grace being the central theme of the New Covenant. The Old Covenant was based on the law given through Moses, while the New Covenant is based on the grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ.
The abundance of grace in the New Covenant is seen in the free and full pardon of all transgressions, the bestowal of perfect righteousness, and acceptance into God's favor and friendship. Grace is not only present at conversion, but is a constant presence throughout the believer's life, providing everything needed for salvation and sanctification.
Grace is both the gracious disposition of God that moves Him to love us freely and the power through which this grace works in us. It includes all that Christ has done and continues to do for us, as well as the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Grace is the power that moves the heart of God in compassion towards us and provides us with the disposition and power needed to love God and do His will.
The life of a believer under the New Covenant is one of faith and dependence on God's grace to do all the work of sanctification and fruit-bearing. It is grace alone that can work in us and through us to produce good works and bear fruit for the kingdom of God. The Christian life is to be lived in constant reliance on God's grace, expecting everything from Him and yielding to His work in our lives.
Living a life entirely under grace, free from the bondage of the law, is the key to experiencing victory over sin and walking in the fullness of God's blessings. It is only by living a life of faith, trusting in God's grace to do all the work in us, that we can truly experience the freedom and power of the New Covenant.
Let us, therefore, embrace the New Covenant of grace, living a life of faith and dependence on God's abundant grace. May we allow grace to reign in our hearts, transforming us into vessels of mercy prepared for glory. May we live in the fullness of God's grace, experiencing victory over sin and walking in the abundant life that Christ has promised us. Grace unto you, and peace be multiplied. AMEN.