Pastor's Power Points

Full of Grace and Truth

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…full of grace and truth.

We may understand the statement full of grace and truth as the description of a man to be greatly admired. While the historic Jesus has been and is widely admired around the world by Christians and non-Christians alike, something much more is involved in this statement than just admirable qualities.  Grace and Truth are two weighty words that are worthy to be unpacked. Truth, it seems, has received the lion share of attention between the two echoing Pilate’s rhetorical question, “What is truth?”  Philosophers through the ages have tackled the question and with good reason because the existence of truth speaks of a standard, a reality that is opposite of error and falsehood. Grace, on the other hand, does not fit into the thought categories of mankind. In fact, biblical grace is scandalous to the human mind because apart from the revelation of the God of the Bible, deity and grace just don’t go together. Good news!  The incarnation of God in Jesus Christ changed that – that in the ages to come (i.e. from this time on) He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Ilion T. Jones asserts, “The word ‘Grace’ is unquestionably the most significant single word in the Bible.” Charis from which we get “grace” can also be translated favor, benefit, gift, kindness, or credit.  Jesus, as incarnate God, came not just with this admirable quality, but full of favor and benefit to be given. And of His fullness we have received, and grace upon grace.  Being full of grace He abounded in favor/benefit to be lavished on mankind in two categories, the first a prerequisite of the second: 1) the credit of righteousness – appropriate standing before God, 2) the gift of the Holy Spirit – appropriate ability for you to fulfill God’s purpose.  The grace upon grace of John 1:16 is reflected here in that the benefit of reconciliation (right standing) is active communion with God (ability) for Jesus said Himself, without Me you can do nothing.