Grace Upon Grace (John 1:16-18)

Today's scripture: John 1:16-18

Grace upon grace. I love these words. Grace, as we know, means unmerited favor. We receive salvation, not because of anything we've done, but because of what God has done for us. Jesus' coming to earth to pay the penalty for our sins allows us to be reconciled to our Father.

Even more, before Jesus' incarnation, God's people followed His law. They received atonement for their sins through annual sacrifice of a perfect, flawless lamb. After Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, however, He Himself became truth, and we who follow Him are no longer under the law (Romans10:4; Galatians 5:8; Philippians 3:9).

While we still should adhere to some Old Testament commandments (no other gods, honoring parents, not stealing or lying) and New Testament exhortations (living the fruit of the Spirit), our main focus should be on loving and serving God—heart, soul, mind, and strength—and loving and serving others.

And as we remember what God has done for us, simply because He loves us, we should surrender ourselves to Him daily, seeking His will. Because if we don't, if we continue to live as we choose, then we're saying, as Paul wrote, "Christ died needlessly" (Galatians 2:21). So then, "What should we say? Should we keep on sinning, so that God’s wonderful kindness will show up even better? No, we should not! If we are dead to sin, how can we go on sinning?" (Romans6:1-2, CEV).

God has given the most amazing gift of grace to each of us who has chosen to follow Him. Grace upon grace. The question is, are we living to honor that gift?