Ever notice how a clenched fist can’t receive anything?
That’s the difference between Law and Grace.

For centuries, we’ve argued about the Gospel’s center—Is it God working, or us? But the answer quietly shapes our entire posture before Him.

The Law suggests that favor can be earned. Work hard enough, pray long enough, behave well enough…and maybe God will owe you. That’s man working. That’s self working. (Galatians 3:10)

Grace says you bring nothing—and receive everything. Not because you deserve it, but because Christ stepped in with the gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17). That’s God working for you, in you, and through you.

Here’s the New Covenant truth:

If man works, God rests.
But if man rests and believes, God works. (Hebrews 4:10)

So when you catch yourself striving—tensing up, “praying hard,” trying to force a breakthrough—pause long enough to ask, Is this faith…or self-effort? Is this rest…or fear?

Self-effort is pride wearing religious clothing.
Rest is trust wearing Christ.

And here’s the secret:
Those who try to build their own righteousness will always resist those who simply receive it (Galatians 4:29).

Grace supplies. Law demands.
Only one of them lets God do what only God can do.