17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

John 1:17

Explanation

Here we have an interesting contrast.

We have two contrasting figures.

Moses gave the law. Jesus fulfilled the law.

Moses broke the law. Jesus kept the law on our behalf.

Paul tells us that the law had a specific purpose.

[22] But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. [23] But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. [24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. [25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. [26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:22-26

The law exposes our sin and helps us to understand our death sentence. 

Thankfully we do not need to stay subject to the law for salvation. Jesus kept the law and then took our penalty so that we can have life. Grace and truth, what Christ was full of, was given to us by Christ Himself.

[20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. [21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2 Corinthians 5:20-21

The law came from God through Moses. It exposed our sin. Jesus Christ came and kept the law, took our sin, and gave us His righteousness.

Application

We need to acknowledge these realities to find life in Jesus Christ. We acknowledge that we have broken God’s law. We acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life, and that we can only come to the Father through Him.

Response

1. Have you accepted Christ, repenting of your sin and turning to Him by faith for salvation?
2. Have you thanked Him lately for your salvation if you are saved?
3. We are not saved so that we can keep breaking God’s law. God wants to change us by giving us His Spirit. Is there a sin you need to forsake?