"And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:16-17)
When we look at these two scriptures separately from the rest of the first chapter of John, we are seeing yet again a division between the old covenant and its ordinances and the new testament. That is, the law was given by Moses. But for grace and truth, we need Jesus the Christ.
For those who may need a refresher, the law was given specifically to the Israelites. The law was not given to the Gentiles. The law was about judgment. The law was black and white. The law consisted of 613 laws in total -- albeit, we are (for the most part) only familiar with the ten commandments written on stone tablets.
In the context of the new testament, we come to understand that the law was intended as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.
As the scripture saith, "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3:24-25)
Therefore, when we come to the risen Jesus -- as both Lord and Christ, we come to understand grace -- and the abundance of grace that includes forgiveness. That as well, the process for us to be forgiven of all our sins (past, present, and future - our sins red as crimson but now as white as snow) can only come through the Lord Jesus -- the Great Shepherd who willingly laid down His life for His sheep. His family. His beloved body of Christ church.
Up until this point, truth was virtually non-existent which means that without truth, we have no perspective. Why? Because truth provides the plumb line. Within this context too, true life can only be found in Jesus -- for He is the life that is the Light of men. He is the Light that shines in darkness and the darkness comprehends it not. (John 1:4-5)
This is why Jesus did not tell His disciples-- I have the truth so come to Me and I'll show it to you -- ,but rather Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life." (John 14:6)
Jesus said, "Follow Me!"
" ... declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name: among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ ..." (Romans 1:4-6)
This is why our faith journey should be about knowing Jesus.
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
Stand in the offering plate.
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