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

Reflection

John writes, “For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” This unusual phrase points to the layered aspect of God’s grace revealed over time.

Many believers have been taught to think of the Law given through Moses and the grace revealed through Jesus as if they are in opposition. John 1:17 has often been read, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” The word but creates a contrast. It can make it sound as though the Law of the Lord is the opposite of the grace of God.

But God’s Law is not contrary to His grace.

The underlying purpose of the Law was to reveal the amazing grace of the Lord. When John spoke of “grace upon grace,” we can see the Law as an earlier manifestation of God’s grace, followed by the greater and fuller revelation of grace through Jesus.

At the time of Moses, Israel lived in a barbaric world. There was no fair and consistent system of justice like we are accustomed to today. When societies and people groups are lawless, there is little to restrain people from excessive retaliation and violence.

Through God’s Law, however, a new standard was established: an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. In other words, the punishment needed to fit the crime. The Law restrained people from taking unlimited vengeance. It lifted Israel above the base standards of the surrounding societies and established a people governed by righteousness.

These were not simply the commandments of a harsh lawgiver. They were the guidance of a gracious God, elevating His children and teaching them how to live.

This is why Moses could say to Israel that the statutes and judgments God had given them were their wisdom and understanding in the sight of the nations. He asked, “Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?” Deuteronomy 4:8

The Law itself was a gift.

Beloved, we do not have to choose between a God of Law and a God of grace. The same gracious God who gave Israel His righteous commandments revealed His grace even more fully through Messiah Jesus.

It is grace upon grace.

Application

• Ask the Lord to remove any false division in your heart between His Law and His grace.
• Begin to see God’s commands as the guidance of a gracious Father who desires to lead His people in wisdom and righteousness.

Prayer

Father, thank You that Your grace has been revealed throughout Your dealings with Your people. Help me to understand that Your Law was not contrary to Your grace, but an expression of Your righteous and gracious heart. Give me eyes to see the wisdom and goodness in Your ways. Thank You for revealing grace even more fully through Yeshua HaMashiach. Teach me to receive Your truth, Your righteousness, and Your grace as coming from the same faithful God. In Messiah Jesus’ name, amen.