John 1:16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. Grace is sometimes taken for — 1. The favour of God; 2. God's assistance; 3. Holiness; 4. Gifts; 5. An office in the Church.But whichever it is it comes from Christ. This will appear if you consider — I. THE INSUFFICIENCY OF NATURE (1 Corinthians 3:5; ver. 13). II. THE ALL-SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST (Revelation 1:17; Romans 8:29; John 14:6). 1. There are three great doors which must ordinarily be opened before converting grace can get into the soul of man. (1) A powerful ministry (1 Corinthians 16:9); (2) The door of the heart (Acts 16:14); (3) The door of the ear (Job 33:16). 2. Christ has the opening of these doors (Revelation 1:18; Revelation 3:7). 3. The names which Christ bears witness to, His all-sufficiency, Sun of Righteousness, Morning Star, Raiment, Bread of Life, Door, Good Shepherd, etc., are given to Christ to show that He is all they signify to the soul. And they are not barely given to Him; He is "Good" Shepherd, Bread "of Life," etc. Therefore, as the apostle says, "He is all in all." (W. Bridge, M. A.). Parallel Verses KJV: And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. |
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