How to Read the Bible the Grace WayÀpẹrẹ

Day 1: Start with the New Covenant

Scripture:

Hebrews 8:6 (NLT)

"But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises."

Reflection:

People often ask, "Where should I start reading the Bible?" And my answer is always the same: start with the New Covenant. Why? Because reading the Bible without it is like trying to solve a puzzle without ever looking at the picture on the box. You might find some pieces that fit, but the whole picture will feel confusing and incomplete. The cross didn't just save us; it changed everything. When Jesus declared, "It is finished," He wasn't just referring to the end of His ministry. He was announcing the end of the Old Covenant and the beginning of something entirely new...a covenant that is not built on human effort, law, or sacrifice but on Grace, forgiveness, and the finished work of Jesus. The Old Covenant's purpose was to expose humanity's need for a Savior. But the covenant itself was always meant to be temporary. Hebrews tells us the New Covenant is better—because it's based on what Jesus has already done, not what we must strive to do. So when you open your Bible, especially the Old Testament, remember where you are in the story. You live under Grace, not law. That means when you read about judgment, rituals, or commands, ask: What did Jesus fulfill here? What does this show me about my need for Him? Grace doesn't ignore the Old; it reveals its true meaning. When you read through that lens, everything starts to come into focus.

Reflection Questions:

1. Have you ever found the Bible hard to understand? If so, how?
2. What changes for you when you remember you're reading from the side of the New Covenant?

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for changing everything. Thank You that I no longer relate to God through fear or rule-keeping, but through Your finished work. Help me read the Bible with fresh, grace-filled eyes. Let the truth of the New Covenant guide how I understand every verse. Amen.