Posted by John 1:16
“Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.”
“Out of his fulness” says John, conveying the thought of the fullness of grace which has been given us in Christ (fullness conveys the idea of an abundant flow of one blessing after another). The apostle is reminding believers of what “we know” to be the facts about Christ who is full of grace and truth, which we have already received in Him.”
We have all received “grace in place of grace” or “grace upon grace” as it’s been rendered. This grace is an interesting thought to ponder since we who believe have received an abundance of it. “In place of grace already given” speaks of what is coninually being added. Like fresh manna received on a daily basis, each day we receive fresh grace, increasing upon (not replacing) yesterday’s blessings.
The blessings of continually receiving grace upon the grace already given has a synergistic effect on our life and work. Paul encourages the Church at Colossae saying, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7).
How did we receive Christ? By grace through faith, how then shall we continue to live? The same way says Paul, by grace though faith! We receive daily provisions – by grace through faith, answers to prayer come by grace through faith, effectiveness in service is by grace through faith. I can go on but you get the idea about grace, in Christ we have an abundance of it!
Can you handle the truth about Grace?
Are you able to accept yourself as God sees you? Do you see yourself as being created in God’s image and designed to think, plan and work with Him? Are you prepared to accept the changes that come from knowing the fact that all undeserved favor abounds toward you, and that God has made you a little lower than Himself? (Psalm 8:5)*
Have you internalized the truth that God’s rescue mission for humanity includes you? That you were born to partner with Him as an agent of Grace releasing to others what He’s pouring into you? God will continue to grant you grace today to build upon the grace of yesterday so you can continue expanding His Kingdom influence on earth as it is in heaven.
Lift your head high, stand erect and believe you are highly esteemed by God. He has already given you an abundance of grace sufficient for every need and every task assigned to you. God places a high value on you who’s been made in His own image and likeness. -JSP
*In Psalm 8:5 the word rendered “angels” is the Hebrew word “Elohim” literally God.
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