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"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... 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 1).
Jesus was and is full of grace and truth. Filled with Grace and Truth. "A grace-starved, truth-starved world needs Jesus, full of grace and truth." Randy Alcorn People of Bible times only had to look at Jesus to see what God is like. People today should only have to look at us to see what Jesus is like. Some churches today embrace truth but need a heavy dose of grace. What is Grace? In Exodus 34:6, God identifies Himself as "abounding in love and faithfulness." The word translated love is the Hebrew equivalent of grace. Grace is a delightful fragrant word. -It intrigues -Attracts -Compels -Dazzles -It also confounds It's as though God said, "You know about truth. It's taught in synagogues every Sunday. But let Me tell you about grace..." Grace is unmerited favour - grace is getting what you don't deserve We deserved expulsion - he gives us a diploma We deserved the electric chair - he gives us a parade He owes us nothing - we owe Him everything Never believe anything about yourself, or God, that makes His grace to you seem anything less than astonishing! Because that's exactly what it is. Many people hear God say, "Do more" and "Do better" But not, "I've done it for you -- rest." But this is what Jesus meant when He said: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 God invites us to: "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost." Isaiah 55:1 There's only one requirement for enjoying God's grace: being broke, and knowing it. A Few Closing Thoughts About Grace: Grace never lowers the standards of holiness. We often ask the wrong question: How could a God full of grace send sinners to hell? Instead of: How could a holy God send sinners to heaven? Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 The next time someone asks, "How are you doing?" Here's a good answer: "Better than I deserve!" Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I was once was lost But now I'm found Was blind, but now I see |
