May 28

Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. - John 1:16.

OBSERVE here the peculiarity of this reception:-“and grace for grace.” No expression perhaps has given rise to a greater variety of opinion than this. It would only be wasting our time and perplexing our minds to regard all the readings given. But we may observe several things. First, Correspondence. “Grace for grace” means grace in us for grace in him, for there is a resemblance. As in wax the impression left by the seal corresponds with itself, so it is here. He is called “the light of the world,” and his people are called “the lights of the world.” He is the Son of God, and they are called “sons of God.” What is this but to intimate that they are of one mind with him? and “if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” The expression also includes substitution. Thus “grace for grace” means grace of one kind for grace of another, the grace of one dispensation for the grace of another.

There was grace under the law, but that was mixed with severity and shadows: they received the first-fruits, we have the harvest; they had a few drops, we have the whole shower; thus we have grace for grace,-the grace of reality for the grace of types,- the grace of substance for the grace of shadows.

And this substitution may be exemplified, not only as to dispensation, but also to exchange. Take Paul for an example. Paul prayed for deliverance from the thorn in the flesh. This was denied; but God assured him that his grace was sufficient for him. Here was “grace for grace.” The grace of consolation for the grace of deliverance,-the grace of support instead of exemption. Christians pray that their trials may be diminished; but instead of this their strength is increased, while their trials remain.

The expression includes variety. “Grace for grace” means, not grace of one kind only, but grace of all kinds. Believers are not only pardoned, but sanctified; and in vain would they receive the remission of sins, if left without renovation. Without this we could not have been happy nor able to serve God and hold communion with him. Hence it would be vain to have the grace of knowledge without the grace of obedience, since, says St. Paul, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” Suppose after we have travelled far in the way we should perish near home: we need therefore not only the grace of commencement, but the grace of perseverance; and he giveth more grace. Where he hath begun the good work, he will perform it to the day of Jesus Christ.

Also, It means abundance. “Grace for grace” means much grace, or, as it is said in the beginning of the Acts, “Great grace was upon them all.” Christians not only have strength, but they “wax stronger and stronger;” they are not only renewed, but are “renewed from day to day.” Here we have one degree of grace for another, a higher for a lower, an enlarged degree of grace for a more contracted degree.