John 1:16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. I. AN ABUNDANCE OF GRACE. "Grace for grace " like "skin for skin" (Job 2:4). All his skins. This suits (1) the word "and" or "even;" (2) the attribute of Christ, "fulness;" (3) the scope of the place where Christ is set above Moses. (4) Other Scriptures (Romans 5:15, 17, etc.) 1. Abundance of grace discovered. (1) It will appear if you consider the several advances grace hath made from the beginning till now (Genesis 3:15), the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:3), the Mosaic, the prophecies, Christ, the preaching of the gospel. (2) The manifestations of grace under the Old Testament were under a veil; that veil is now removed (2 Corinthians 3:18). (3) There were many doctrines of grace communicated to the Jews, yet they were so tempered by the law that the very gospel seemed law unto them. Now the law is so tempered by the gospel as to seem gospel. (4) Grace was manifested under the old dispensation by drops and at intervals (Hebrews 1:1), under the New Wholesale. 2. Abundance of grace exhibited and communicated.Is it not a great matter — 1. For an ungodly man to be justified For a man to be a child of God. 2. To have the image of Christ drawn on a filthy soul. 3. For a man to be in heaven before he comes there (John 17:3). 4. But we do not see this abundance, objectors say. But — (1) Though little in quantity it may be great in quality. (2) Though it be small as a possession it is great as an earnest (Colossians 1:12). II. APPLICATION: 1. Why should any of God's people vilify and degrade the gift of God whereby they are enriched? 2. Behold what great sinners inconsistent professors are! 3. What a mighty encouragement there is here to come to Jesus Christ and be filled! (W. Bridge, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. |
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