“For out of His fullness [the superabundance of His grace and truth] we have all received grace upon grace [spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift]. For the Law was given through Moses, but grace [the unearned, undeserved favor of God] and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
John 1:16-17 AMPC
Grace Perspective:
Fullness means to be abundantly filled. In this passage, the apostle John reminds us that those who are in Christ Jesus receive an unceasing supply of God’s grace. Superabundant grace that is found in Jesus and given freely to those He calls His own. This amazing grace washes the dark stain of sin from our soul and frees us from the death penalty demanded by the Law that is given through Moses.
The Law given through Moses reveals the depth of our depravity. God gave precise rules on what sacrifices had to be made to atone for sin. Christ fulfilled every demand made by the law, and His death on the cross paid the cost of all sin. In Christ, the fullness of grace is found. He provides everything we need to be reconciled to God.
Christ’s grace is so powerful that it saves, sanctifies, renews, restores, strengthens, comforts, and gives wisdom, mercy, and love that will never cease. The gifts of grace never end, either here on earth or in Heaven to come. In Christ Jesus, we find a gracious fullness that will satisfy our hearts and souls.
A Touch of Grace:
What fills you?
How do you receive gifts?
Grace Application:
Do you like to receive gifts? I do! Though at times I struggle to feel worthy of the gifts others give, I’m thankful for the love and affection that comes with the thoughtful gifts others give me.
This passage reveals the depth of the precious gift Christ Jesus continually gives, the fullness of His grace. Grace is a gift that we don’t deserve, but when offered, we need to receive it with joy and open it to see the superabundance of Christ’s provision.
Let’s say we receive a gift from a friend. The wrapping is gorgeous, with shiny paper and a big sparkly bow. It’s so lovely that we want to savor the beauty before opening it. We thank our friend profusely, assuring them we will open it soon. We take the gift home and put it on our coffee table to continue to admire the beautiful wrapping. Every day we marvel at how lovely the package is, but we don’t open it. We let it sit unopened, having no idea what’s inside the box. We admire the package but haven’t fully received the gift inside.
Jesus offers us grace that saves us from Hell but gives so much more. Christ Jesus gives us Himself! We are assured that,
“In Him we have redemption [that is, our deliverance and salvation] through His blood, [which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in] the forgiveness and complete pardon of our sin, in accordance with the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and understanding [with practical insight] He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, with regard to the fulfillment of the times [that is, the end of history, the climax of the ages]—to bring all things together in Christ, [both] things in the heavens and things on the earth.”
Ephesians 1:7-10 AMPC
His gift of grace is unceasing, providing what we need at just the right time. Yes, we will experience suffering and hardship, but He promises us that the gift of His gracious fullness will give us all we need to joyfully endure until He calls us to Heaven.
Have you opened the gift of salvation that is offered to you? If not, open your heart now to the most precious gift ever given, Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, Thank you for the gift of grace found in Christ Jesus. The gracious fullness I find in Him surpasses all this world offers. Forgive me for neglecting this precious gift and not living from the truth that in Christ Jesus, I have all I need. Holy Spirit, help me to fully receive the gift of grace each day so that I live a life that reflects Your love, mercy, compassion, and peace. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, Amen.
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**