There has been a major shift from the old covenant of the law to the new covenant of grace as far as what it means to obey. Previously, obedience occurred first with the people’s actions; now, it occurs first with our belief. The faith we need is not in ourselves, but in Jesus Christ and in His finished works. Under the Old Testament, the people had to work hard before God considered them righteous; under the New Testament, He considers us righteous simply by believing in Jesus. The focus has shifted from man working for God, under the law, to God working for us, under grace. Our doing is no longer of primary importance; it has been replaced by believing in the Gospel of Grace. Understanding and benefitting from God’s new and living way requires that we simply trust in Him, without mixing the law with grace.