He Rules the World with Truth and Grace
(from “Joy to the World”)

By Carolina Hermida de Figueroa
Tlaxcala, Mexico

Scripture Reading:
John 1:14-18
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
Titus 2:11-14

We live in a performance-obsessed society. Job promotions and responsibilities are awarded based on personal results. The sad thing is that this thought infiltrates the church, and even worse, our relationship with God. Has it happened to you? Have you thought about it? We believe that we are saved by grace, but we often live the Christian life by the “sweat” of our own performance. The Bible teaches us that we are not only saved by grace, but we also live by grace every day of our lives. And what is the source of that grace? 

"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace."
John 1:14,16 (ESV)

Look at these extraordinary words in the beautiful gospel of John: "the Word became flesh." These words express the fact that God assumed humanity in the incarnation. This means that:

• The infinite became finite.
• Eternity entered time.
• The invisible became visible.
• The Creator entered into His creation.

The first promise given to the fallen man was a promise of grace. God's deal with Adam was one of grace. What He did was to proclaim the promise of a coming Savior. For 6,000 years, God has been trying to teach the world this great and glorious truth: that He wishes to deal with man in love and grace. It is something that goes through the whole Bible; this current of grace flows throughout it.

The last promise in the final chapter of Revelation, as the first in Eden, is a promise of grace: “…let the one who desires take the water of life without price” (Rev 22:17 ESV). In this way, all revelation and all human history are surrounded by grace—the free favor of God.

Full of Grace

One of the most wonderful statements about our Lord is that He was "full of grace" (John 1:14 ESV) and “from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace" (John 1:16 ESV). Jesus Christ is the full expression of God's grace. All the necessary truth to save is available in Him.

What do we take? According to John, "grace upon grace." The Christian life rests—is fulfilled and reaches its full dimension—in grace. So that, as much grace is needed in the process of being transformed into the stature of Christ, it will be given to us without limit.

Grace upon grace has to do with multitude, with superabundance of grace. It refers to accumulated grace, one grace following another. That grace is ours every day. It is unlimited and sufficient for every need. It would be great that we seek to be aware at any given moment, of our continuous dependence on this grace!

Treasury of Grace

The treasury of grace, even when it is always emptying, is always full; the key to prayer, which is what opens it, is always at hand; and the Almighty Dispenser of gracious blessings is always waiting to manifest His grace.

Do you realize that? The grace that saves is the same that sanctifies and it is abundant because it is from the "fullness of Christ" that we take it: inexhaustible, infinite, total, "grace upon grace."

Dear sister, on this day we would be wandering stars, for which the blackest darkness is reserved; we would be without Christ, without hope and without inheritance if grace had not invited and compelled us. As you grow in grace, you will undoubtedly discover that His love constrains you to live, not for yourself, but for the One who died for you and resurrected.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What do you think it means to live by grace? What does the grace of God imply in your life?
2. Do you ever find it difficult to live by grace rather than the “sweat” of your performance? In what ways is it difficult for you?
3. John 1:14 says that Jesus was “full of grace.” What does that mean to you?

Today I will:

Take some time this week to memorize and meditate on 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 and Titus 2:11-14. Pray to digest the truths expressed in these passages. Go in prayer to the source of grace, our beloved Lord Jesus.

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.
Hebrews 4:16 ESV

About the Author:
Carolina Hermida was born again in Mexico City in her first week of university, 34 years ago, after she was invited to church. She studied administration. She met her husband, Oscar Figueroa, on the mission field, in the city of Merida. They got married in Cancún and served as ministers in the Church of Culiacán. In 2018, Carolina and Oscar were appointed Bible teachers. Since 2019, they have served in the church in Tlaxcala. Carolina is currently in her first year of studies at the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters of Tlaxcala where she is pursuing a degree in Hispanic American Language and Literature.

To hear a special version of "Joy to the World" sung by your sister Amy Kinzer, click the image below:

Photo credits:
(Grace pic)
Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash