Grace and Truth

Grace without truth is meaningless.

Truth without grace is mean.

Grace plus truth is wisdom!

The above saying is often used in a marriage context. It can also be used in relationships. But I want to look at it in a spiritual context. What is Grace? Who is Truth? Lets start with an acrostic that is somewhat familiar. God's Riches At Christ's Expense = GRACE. John 1:16 tells us, “we have all received grace upon grace.” I love this wording because it just isn't grace, it is grace upon grace!  The next verse tells us that "grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."

Ephesians 2:5-8 “by grace you have been saved . . . so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith. . .it is the gift of God.”

But if all we trust in is Grace, it is meaningless. We must have Truth also. Who is Truth? Jesus said, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” -John 14:6. We must come to Jesus for salvation, which involves repentance, a turning away from sin, and “becoming a new creation in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).” Along with Grace, we need Jesus! Without Jesus, grace is meaningless.

What if someone told you that you were doomed to hell without remedy? That would be truth without grace and it would be mean. It is the grace provided by Jesus that takes away those awful words, “without remedy” and replaces them with words like those found in Hebrews 9:22 . . .”without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” And in Romans 5:8-9, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”

The third line says, Grace plus Truth is Wisdom! In Matthew 7:24 we are told that “everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” This symbolic story turns us to the imagery of a house on a rock foundation. The foundation is Christ and the house is our soul. Take advantage of grace which is “the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.”

There are many scriptures and songs about grace. Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Acts 4:33, “and with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.” Hebrews 12:15, “see to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” And Romans 5:1-2, “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

So whether it is grace given to us to obtain salvation, or grace needed in dire times, or grace bestowed on us to do God's work, or the throne of grace where we meet Jesus in prayer, we are blessed to have all of these in great measure.

Of course, the old hymn, Amazing Grace, is the first song to come to mind and is a favorite of many. The second verse is my favorite: “Twas grace that taught my heart to fear. And grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.” You can listen to this hymn here.

A new contemporary worship song we sung recently in church is Glorious Grace. (listen here.) I was so blessed singing this song because of these words that took me to a place of worship to my Savior who died so that “God, your grace like rising seas has swallowed death and sin in me.” Praise the Lord, He has saved me.

Glorious Grace

God I need You, I need You, I need You
Every breath, every pulse of my heart
Christ have mercy, have mercy, let mercy abound
I need You, I need You now

God pour out Your grace, glorious grace
That I would be held by Your perfect embrace
I am undeserving, You are high and worthy
All of my praise for this glorious grace

God I’m longing, I’m longing to see You
In Your presence all darkness will fade
Shine Your glory, Your glory, let glory surround
I’m longing to see You now

God Your grace, like rising seas
Has swallowed death and sin in me
God Your grace like rising seas
Has swallowed death and sin in me
Glory to my God who saves
Jesus Christ, my glorious grace
Glory to my God who saves
Jesus Christ, my glorious grace

God I worship, I worship, I worship You
For Your glory, my all in all You are worthy, You’re worthy, You’re worthy
I worship, I worship You
God I need You, I need You now

———-

God I need you, I need you, I need you Every breath, every pulse of my heart  God your grace like rising seas has swallowed death and sin in me 

by Aaron Ivey, Brett Land, Kyle Lent

I know this blog is getting a little long, but if you want another blessing, check out this new contemporary song: Grace So Glorious by Elevation Worship

Beneath the cross of Jesus Christ
No shadow remains for shame to hide
Redemption shone for all to see
Perfection bore our penalty
With a grace so glorious
Immortal day the veil was torn
When mercy donned a crown of thorns
As law gave way to liberty
And freedom for humanity
With a grace so glorious
PreChorus:
Oh the glory of the Savior’s love
Surrounding our surrender
To know forever
We are welcomed home
Chorus
Crowned in glory to glory
Worthy is the Lord of all
The glory forever
Holy is the Lord (2x)

Triumphant praises without end
All hailing the King of righteousness
And every eye beholds the One
Our hearts were undeserving of
With a grace so glorious
Bridge
O wondrous day when I will see
The face of Him who ransomed me
I’ll fall in worship at His feet
And rise to reign eternally
In a grace so glorious