John 1: 16-18

Ephesians 1: 3

John 1: 16. “For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.”

Previously it has been stated that Jesus was full of grace and truth, now it’s told, this is the ‘fullness of Jesus’ that we have received. Grace is defined as ‘unmerited favor’, as ‘a gift’, as: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. This grace brings salvation to all who believe, it also brings to us the enabling power to withstand: temptations from the enemy, the stresses of natural life, disappointments, calamities, pains, fears and trials. Grace is ‘help’ in the time of need, it is clarity of mind when confusion sets in, it is peace when chaos is dominant, it is comfort when pain is whelming. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, it is all the blessings of God available to us in the spiritual realm, and then physically manifested. (Ephesians 1: 3, “…He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing In the heavenly places in Christ”.)

The concept of ‘grace upon grace’ is likened to the waves in the ocean breaking on the shore, they never stop, they follow one after another endlessly.

John 1: 17. “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.”

The Law of God was delivered through Moses to enlighten Israel/mankind as to whom Jehovah is, the God of God’s. The Law then revealed the need for Holy living in relation to both God and man. Yet, as with all instruction, there was no power given to enable the implementation of those instructions. As Paul wrote to the church in Galatia, the Law became nothing more than a teacher, revealing our shortcomings. The question: “O, wretched man that I am, who can help me, who can set me free from my sin, from myself, and my limitations?” The answer: Jesus Christ- who is full of Grace, the enabling power of God to save and sustain, and Truth, the unwavering holy honesty, that exposes our sin and our need.

The substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ, was accepted by Jehovah as an acceptable judiciary action, known to all by His resurrection from the dead, and realized through faith.

Grace makes- Faith takes.

Blessings

Karl