John classifies the Old Testament law as grace: “Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (Jn 1:16-17). In what sense is the law grace? Deuteronomy 10:13 says that the law is for our own good. Paul delighted in God’s law (Rom 7:22). The law allows us to comprehend the truest extent of our sin (Rom 7:7,13). The law is grace in that it helps us to live holy lives—the proper function of human beings. Perhaps it also helps to better our communities and communion with one another. And hopefully our faith is strengthened as a result. Those are all outstanding benefits, however I do not think those specific benefits are what John intended to highlight in his prologue.
Paul hints at the true meaning of the grace of the law when he says, “the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good” (Rom 7:12). Paul means to say that the law is holy, righteous, and good just as God is holy, righteous, and good. The law reflects God’s character. Therefore the grace of the law is that through the law we come to know God. Through the law we learn that God is good and just; He is selfless and praiseworthy.
This brings a new understanding to how Christ fulfilled the law. Since the law reflects God, and since Christ is God incarnate, Christ is the literal manifestation of the law. He is the law. Not only does Christ help make the law clearer, but by being in Christ, we too are in the law. As the Spirit of God continues to bring us into a stronger faith in Christ, He also brings us into a deeper reflection of the law.
Therefore, the first grace John speaks of is our understanding of God through the law. The second grace John speaks of is the formation of the law into our hearts through faith in Christ. We no longer rely on a tablet to demonstrate God’s character. Instead, now we know God’s character to an even greater extent through Jesus Christ. This is grace.
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