When truth meets grace

John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

 

The law was given by Moses, while grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. It could be said in another way: the law given by Moses revealed the truth… Because the law was Gods tool to reveal the truth about us, that we are sinners. Paul said it this way to the romans: “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law…” (Rom 7:7) In other words, if it hadn’t been for the law, I wouldn’t have known that I am a sinner. The law reveals who I truly am, and why I cant face God. If I face God with the “truth” about myself, his automatic reaction will be to reject me. Gods natural reaction will be wrath and judgment, because he is holy and just, and cant be in the presence of sin. I cannot face God with truth alone. I need another element. That’s the element Jesus added. He did not come with truth alone, but with truth and grace. When truth meets grace, it releases power. We need both! Not only grace, and not only truth, but truth AND grace.

Truth tells me who I am, but grace tells me who I will become.

Truth tells me what I deserve, grace tells me what I can get.

Truth reminds me of my past, but grace reminds me of my future.

Truth tells me that I am lost, but grace tells me I can be saved.

But in order for grace to come into effect, we must first embrace truth. Only when we take truth to grace it brings power and salvation. Repentance is first of all a confession of truth. A confession that I am a sinner and need Gods grace. Then I take my “truth” till Calvary and let truth meet grace. Then I receive peace. The Psalmist says it this way: ”Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” (Psalm 85:10)

When truth meets grace, we receive the righteousness that was not given us by the law alone. Then we receive peace with God. 

But grace does not kiss a lie. That’s why a true biblical repentance is necessary. We need to come to the knowledge of truth. “…who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth…” (1 Tim 2:4)

 

When we see and acknowledge who we are, go to Jesus and ask for forgiveness, that’s when truth meets grace, and the result is righteousness and peace.