Scripture: John 1:16 (ESV) – “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”
John 1:16 brings us into the heart of the Christian experience: “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” Here, the apostle John declares the abundant and overflowing blessings that come to us through Jesus Christ. The phrase “grace upon grace” describes the inexhaustible supply of God’s favor and blessings that believers receive through Christ. This grace is not given sparingly but poured out generously from the fullness of our Savior.
What is this “fullness” that John speaks of? It is the complete sufficiency of Jesus Christ. In Him dwells all the fullness of God (Colossians 2:9), and He lacks nothing. Because He is fully God and fully man, Jesus is perfectly equipped to meet every need we have. Calvin emphasizes that the grace we receive is not fragmented or incomplete. It is a rich, abundant flow that continues to supply us, moment by moment. There is grace for our salvation, grace for our daily sanctification, and grace for our ultimate glorification. Every blessing and gift comes from Christ’s fullness.
Think about the phrase “grace upon grace.” It paints a picture of one wave of grace crashing over us, only to be followed by another, and another, without end. God’s grace does not run dry. As believers, we have received grace in the past, we receive grace in the present, and we will continue to receive grace in the future. It is a boundless ocean, covering every sin, empowering every moment of weakness, and filling every empty place in our hearts.
This truth ought to fill us with immense gratitude and a sense of security. No matter how weak or sinful we may feel, God’s grace is more than sufficient. We often think we need to earn God’s favor, but John 1:16 reminds us that all our blessings flow from Christ’s fullness, not from our own merits or efforts. Our relationship with God is based entirely on His generosity and love, not on anything we can achieve.
But this grace also calls us to a life of holiness and service. As recipients of such overwhelming favor, how can we not live in a way that honors God? His grace should lead us to love others, to serve with joy, and to walk humbly before Him. Grace transforms us; it does not leave us as we are.
Reflection Questions:
- How have you experienced “grace upon grace” in your life? Take a moment to reflect on the many ways God’s grace has been evident, both in times of joy and in trials.
- Are you living in the freedom and security that God’s abundant grace provides, or are you still trying to earn His favor? How can you rest more fully in Christ’s sufficiency?
Prayer: Gracious Father, we stand in awe of the fullness of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for the grace upon grace You have lavished on us. Help us to live in the joy and freedom of this grace, knowing that we are fully loved and accepted because of Christ. Transform our hearts, Lord, so that we reflect Your grace to others, living lives that honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:16*
Covenant Presbyterian Church 