‘For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.’ (John 1.17)
John’s language is typically direct.
The law was given through Moses;
- The law was the message.
- Moses was the messenger.
Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ;
- Jesus Christ is the message,
- He brings grace and truth to all who receive Him.
The law announced; ‘do this and live.’ Observance of all the requirements of the law was essential for life. As James writes; ‘For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.’ (James 2.10)
Grace announces; ‘live and do this.’ We receive life through faith in Jesus Christ. And He calls us to good works (Eph 2.10, Titus 2.14). Good works flow from life – they are essential as evidence of this new life.
The Terry Virgo book, God’s Lavish Grace, is not recommended reading! It is essential reading to understand the way of life in Jesus Christ. 