The Life and Ministry of Jesus
And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:16–17
The contrast between law and grace forms a major portion of Pauline theology, but we get a thumbnail sketch here from John. Moses provided a standard of righteousness—that no one could meet. Then the Prophet whom Moses promised (1:25) came, and he brought a standard of righteousness centered in grace and truth.
Like John the Baptist and John the apostle, Moses was a servant. But Jesus is the Son. This verse drives the dividing spike between the old and new covenants, introducing a new way of God’s dealing with humankind. 1
Personal Encouragement
If God dealt with us only according to truth, none of us would survive; but He deals with us on the basis of grace and truth. How does His grace “underwrite” your failures? How does His truth set you free?
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8–9
It is truly “Amazing Grace” to receive an eternal gift that I could never afford.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for fulfilling the requirements of the law for my salvation.
1. Gangel, K. O. (2000). John (Vol. 4). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
