Overview:
John 1:1, 14, 16–17, 8:3–11; 2 Corinthians 9:15
We begin the story of Jesus not with His birth in Bethlehem but in eternity past. “In the beginning was the Word,” the apostle John declared, referring to Jesus, the Son of God (John 1:1, NASB). At just the right time, Jesus stepped into human flesh as a baby born in a manger. In His ministry, grace flowed from Him as He performed one gracious act after another.
In this message, Chuck Swindoll uses Jesus’ encounter with the adulterous woman to illustrate the contrast between the grace of Jesus and the legalism of the Pharisees. Just as Jesus’ gift of grace transformed the woman, grace can transform us if we receive it from our Savior with open hands.
Message Summary:
In the message “Jesus: The Gift of God’s Grace,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the profound reality of God’s unmerited favor. While the world operates on the principle of merit and “earning your keep,” the Gospel introduces a radical alternative: Grace. Swindoll explains that Jesus is the personification of this grace, coming to earth not to demand a better performance from us, but to provide a perfect sacrifice for us. The sermon emphasizes that grace is a gift to be received, not a reward to be achieved, and that it remains the only power capable of transforming a guilty heart into a grateful life.
Message Key Facts:
- The Definition of Grace: Swindoll often describes grace as “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” It is the reaching down of a holy God to a helpless people.
- The Incarnation of Grace: John 1:14 declares that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, “full of grace and truth.” Truth reveals our need; grace meets that need.
- The Contrast with the Law: While the Law was given through Moses to show us the standard, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ to provide the solution. The Law commands; Grace enables.
- The Exclusivity of Faith: Salvation is “by grace through faith” alone. Swindoll emphasizes that any attempt to add human effort to the gift of grace actually nullifies the gift.
- The Purpose of Works: Good works are not the cause of salvation, but the consequence of it. We are created in Christ Jesus for good works, not by them.
Message References:
- John 1:14–17: The description of Jesus as being full of grace and truth, and the “grace upon grace” available to believers.
- Ephesians 2:8–10: The classic New Testament summary of salvation as a gift of grace through faith.
- Romans 5:15–17: The comparison between the “free gift” of grace in Christ and the transgression of Adam.
- Titus 2:11: The declaration that “the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.”
- Hebrews 4:16: (Contextual) The invitation to draw near to the “throne of grace” to find help in time of need.
