A Reminder On How to Receive the Grace of God

In review of John 1:17 it says, ”For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ” (NLT).

Today’s verse comes from John 1:16-18. In the gospel of John, he provides clear evidence that Jesus is the Son of God and that by believing in him I may have eternal life. Jesus did not come into being when he was born, because he is eternal.

It is from God’s abundance that I receive one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father's heart. He has revealed God to me.

Law and grace (the combination of God's "unfailing love and faithfulness") are both aspects of God's nature that he uses in dealing with me. Moses emphasized God's law and justice, while Jesus Christ came to highlight God's mercy, love, faithfulness, and forgiveness. Moses could only be the giver of the law, while Christ came to fulfill the law. The nature and will of God were revealed in Jesus Christ. Rather than coming through cold stone tablets, God's revelation now comes through a person's life. As I get to know Christ better, my understanding of God will increase.

God communicated through various people in the Old Testament, usually prophets who were told to give specific messages. But no one ever saw God. Jesus is both God and the Father's unique Son. In Christ, God revealed his nature and essence in a way that could be seen and touched. In Christ, God became a man who lived on earth.

It would be tragic to discover all that God wants to do in me through his grace, yet never really accept it into my life. So how can I receive God’s grace in my life? It’s good to know that there isn’t a 23-part answer to the question, and I don’t need to go to seminary to discover it. God’s Word gives an easy, three-word answer for how I am to receive the grace of God: by trusting Christ.

Today’s verse from John 1:17 reminds me, “For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ” (NLT). God’s grace is entirely wrapped up in a person: Jesus. I won’t get it through a religion or ritual. And I can’t get it by following the rules. I get it through Jesus. God’s grace is free. I simply need to accept it.

God’s grace is not cheap. It cost Jesus his life. Grace is the most expensive commodity there is. Jesus died on the cross to pay for it. As such Jesus’ death on the cross accomplished three things in my life:

First, it paid the penalty for my sin. Someone had to pay for the penalty for my sin. If I have a relationship with Jesus, he has taken care of my penalty.

Secondly, It broke the power of sin. Jesus’ death on the cross gives me the power to change the habits, hurts, and hang-ups that derail my life.

Lastly, the presence of sin will be obliterated. One day all who follow Jesus will go to heaven, where there won’t be any sin.

The costly grace God offers will change everything about my life. I just have to accept it!

Bottom Line:

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

What this means to me:

For Moses gave me only the Law with its rigid demands and merciless justice,  Jesus Christ on the other hand, brought me loving forgiveness and salvation.

In summary, Jesus is the Son of God, believing in him provides eternal life. From God's abundance I received grace and blessings. Moses gave the law, whereas Jesus highlights God's mercy and grace. It is my trust in Christ that helps me receive God's grace. When I accept God's free gift, the penalty for my wrongs are paid, the power of sin is broken and eventually all sin will be obliterated.

Today I thank you Father for your grace and your unending blessings. You have provide me a life and situations in which to grow me and in which I can make a difference in the lives of others. This morning Father I pray and ask you for wisdom and guidance in handling the responsibilities in front of me. Help me to lead others well and in a way that makes a difference to their lives. He me to respond in a right and loving manner to those around me. These things I ask and pray for through your Son Jesus Christ name, Amen!