GRACE + TRUTH = JESUS
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 NKJV
Grace – God giving us kindness and power to change but do not deserve and is impossible to earn on our own. (GRACE is always GREATER)
Truth – that which corresponds to reality. Truth is a person (Jesus) not just a concept. (TRUTH is always TRANSCENDENT)
The Importance of Both
Truth without grace breeds a self-righteous legalism that poisons the church and pushes the world away from Christ. Grace without truth breeds moral indifference and keeps people from seeing their need for
Christ. Attempts to “soften” the gospel by minimizing truth keep people from Jesus. Attempts to “toughen” the gospel by minimizing grace keep people from Jesus. It’s not enough for us to offer grace and truth. We mus offer both.
1.Jesus does not ignore truth at the expanse of Grace (Forgiveness)
2.Jesus does not ignore Grace at the expense of Truth (what’s wrong with us)
3.Jesus is the lamb of Grace and the Lion of Truth – sometimes he shows himself as one, but He is always both.
What About You and Me?
God’s Grace is compelling when explained but irresistible when experienced
- Grace is powerful enough to erase your guilt
- Grace is big enough to cover your shame.
- Grace is real enough to heal your relationships
- Grace is strong enough to hold you up when you’re weak.
- Grace is sweet enough to heal your bitterness.
- Grace is satisfying enough to deal with your disappointment
- Grace is beautiful enough to redeem your disappointments.
Grace explained is necessary, but Grace experienced is essential.
