John 1:16 – Grace in Place of Grace

“Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.”  – John 1:16

Grace can be described as the undeserved favor of God. Regardless of how a person conducts themself on earth, we share in the common grace God has given to mankind. Whether it be in the form of a miraculous sunset, the flavor of a favorite food, the overwhelming awe of a beautiful view, the joy of friendship, the affection of a loved one, the satisfaction of making or creating, or the rush of endorphins from a favorite hobby; you do not need a relationship with God to experience His underserved common grace. When John 1:16 says “Out of his fullness we have all received grace…” it truly means that we have “all received.” But for those who trust in God and have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior the grace spoken of in this verse has a much greater meaning than the common grace God has given to mankind. To the Christian, grace means salvation and eternity in Heaven with God.

As Christians we know that the ultimate act of grace was the Father sending His one and only Son to die on a cross as a once and for all atoning sacrifice for our sins. Jesus left his throne in Heaven to come to earth as a man and live a life that perfectly fulfilled the law, all for our redemption and restoration. The Westminster Catechism states that “the grace of God is manifested in the second covenant, in that He freely provides and offers to sinners a mediator, and life and salvation by Him; and requiring faith as the condition.”

As Christians when we consider the grace of God, we know full well that it cannot be earned, for “there is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one,” (Rom. 3:10-12, Psalm 53:1-3). And since no one can earn the grace of God He calls it a gift, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast,” (Eph. 2:8-9). When we consider grace, we should be drawn to an overwhelming sense of gratitude, and from that gratitude a state of worship.

From His “fullness,” God has given us “grace in place of grace already given,” (John 1:16). When the Apostle Paul explains this same truth, he describes it as “God’s abundant provision of grace,” and His “grace is sufficient,” (Rom. 5:17, 20). In a world where sin is all around us and sin is at war within us, God’s word ensures us that “where sin increase[s], grace increase[s] all the more,” (2 Cor. 12:9). When we consider grace, we must consider God’s abundance and the infinite sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross. Rather than dwelling on our shortcomings, our sin, and our doubts, we should fix our thoughts on the infinite grace that “reign[s] through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,” (Rom. 5:21). Rather than allowing ourselves to fall into entitlement, self-indulgence, or victimhood, we must adjust our vision to see that God has truly filled our lives with “grace in place of grace already given,” (John 1:16).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for your abundant and all sufficient grace. Thank you for your common grace that directs our thoughts to your goodness and grandeur. Thank you for your saving grace, by which we will spend eternity with you.