GLORY: FULLNESS OF GRACE AND TRUTH

“And the Word was made 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

In Christ, GLORY is revealed in the Fullness of GRACE and TRUTH (Jh. 1:14). When Grace surpasses human description and Truth manifests in its fullness – that is Glory! How profound: God became Man, without ceasing to be God! Fullness of Grace and Truth distinguished Jesus Christ as the Lord of Glory! The redeeming glory of God revealed in Jesus does not consume us in our sin! The glory of God in Christ is His gracious disposition to sinners without compromising His truthfulness – His faithfulness to himself. “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace” (v.16)!

What Good News! In Jesus, we see God’s Glory! God could have chosen to become flesh as a judge and executioner; and all of humanity would be found guilty before Him and sentenced to everlasting punishment. But He did not. The Word, the Son, who is God, became flesh to reveal a divine glory that is “full of grace and truth.” The Word of God became flesh to be gracious to us, and in accord with His truthfulness. This was not a wishy-washy, unprincipled, sentimental grace, but a righteous, God-exalting, and costly grace. This grace led straight to Jesus’ death on the cross, which was why He became flesh. He had to have flesh in order to die as a God-man in our place (Heb.2:14-15). The cross is where the fullness of grace shone most brightly; where it was performed, purchased, and perfected!

James 2:1 says, “My brethren do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the LORD of GLORY, with partiality.” His Glory cannot admit partiality or injustice! As Christ is continually revealed to the Church through Scripture and by the Holy Spirit, we have the incredible privilege of seeing the very glory of God through His Face: “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2Cor.4:6). God’s purpose is that we His people be equipped to reflect His glory to the world as we grow in our relationship with Christ. There should be a peculiar radiance about those of us who claim to know Him: “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2Cor.3:18).

Obviously God’s handiwork reflects the glory of Him who created our beautiful world. David cried out, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psa.19:1). We live in a beautiful planet; one that reflects the glory of its creator. God has given us a foretaste of what heaven is about, and touched our lives with His presence. Thus it can only follow that our lives should reflect His glory as well. We are to “declare His glory” – the message our lives should bring to the world is that this marvellous God has touched us with His presence, making a difference, healing broken hearts, forgiving our sins that separate us from Him; and in response He wants recognition and thanks!

Our accomplishments should bring glory to Him who has given us divine strength, health, and endowments. Paul wrote, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1Cor.10:31). Peter wrote likewise: “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1Pet.4:11). Through Christ and His Church, the knowledge of the Glory of God shall fill the earth as the waters cover the sea: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the GLORY of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea” (Hab.2:14).