Grace Upon Grace

January 02, 2021

John 1:14-18: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, 'This was he of whom I said, "He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me."') For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known."

From the fullness of Jesus, we receive grace and not just grace but grace upon grace. Fullness indicates abundance, a well that never runs dry. Jesus came to provide what the law could never provide - unmerited favor with God. This is the way to the Father - the grace given through the life and death of Jesus Christ.

Many people think that they need to clean up their lives before they come to the Lord. Nothing could be further from the truth. Like the father of the prodigal son, the Lord runs out to embrace us in all our dirt, mess, sin, and hopelessness. The Lord then covers us with the robe of righteousness so that we are made clean before him. The blood of Jesus covers our sin, and the robe displays the righteousness of Christ. We are forgiven, healed, and free to live as God's beloved children.

Grace is the unmerited favor of God. It cannot be earned, won, or bought. Grace is a gift that we receive. When John wrote that there was grace upon grace, he wanted his readers to know that we cannot out-sin God's grace. No matter what we have done, God's grace is abundant and covers all our sin.

As we enter this Christmas season, we are invited into grace upon grace. Grace that covers our sin; grace that frees us from guilt and shame; grace that allows us to stand in confidence before a holy, holy, holy God. Will you come and receive God's abundant grace for you today?

Reflection:
Are you living in the fullness of God's grace offered through Jesus Christ? He wants you to live free from sin, guilt, and shame.