Deep mysterious grace.

For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16 ESV

ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ πληρώματος αὐτοῦ ἡμεῖς πάντες ἐλάβομεν, καὶ χάριν ἀντὶ χάριτος·

Direct word for word English translation:

For from the fullness of Him, we all have received then grace for grace.

Here is another mysterious ‘deep’ spiritual truth. This little ‘grace upon grace’ is debated among the spiritual ‘theologians’ / commentators as to what that phrase actually means. Not that they all agree or have strong opinions – but that they use their own ‘filters’ to interpret possible meanings. Who are we to believe when it comes to these ‘hard’ to understand scriptural passages? Academic study and intellect can only take a person so far when it comes to ‘spiritual understanding’. What it really takes is an intimate spiritual relationship with the One who “inspired” the words to be written. Being able to go the direct “Source” is always the best way for an individual to gain a fuller spiritual understanding. Being in ‘pursuit’ of spiritual understanding and Truth takes time and relationship with the One who IS the Truth. Are you continually bringing your questions to Him? Are you honestly wanting to know more… spiritual wisdom? Then it takes honest pursuit and a giving of yourself and time to the effort.

Choosing one commentary to quote here is difficult for me – but I will do so – as it most closely aligns with my own understanding of this little phrase.

Biblehub:

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

“Perhaps, even grace for grace gives the meaning less doubtfully. The thought is, we all received of His fulness, and that which we received was grace for grace. The original faculty of reception was itself a free gift, and in the use of this grace there was given the greater power. The words mean “grace in exchange for, instead of, grace.” The fulness of the supply is constant; the power to receive increases with the use, or diminishes with the neglect, of that which we already have. “Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath” (Matthew 13:12). No truth is in precept or in parable of the Great Teacher more constant than this; no lesson is more brightly or more sadly illustrated in the lives of those who heard Him. What instances of its meaning must have crowded on the writer’s mind in the nation, in the disciples, in the Twelve, and even in the differing power of perception in the inner circle of the Three! “We all received,” but with what difference of degree!”

In other words… to those who genuinely pursue Him – He rewards.

Jesus IS the very embodiment of many attributes of the Father … and grace is one of them. Because of His obedience to His Father, we are the recipients of God’s grace THROUGH Jesus! And we continue to receive His grace as we pursue Him with great fervor!

Now I would ask you – to ask the Holy Spirit the question what ‘grace upon grace’ means? Have Him explain it to your heart and mind. Have you experienced His grace? What was it like? How did your heart feel to experience it? Again … more questions to ask the Holy Spirit. Have Him remind you of those encounters. The mystery of the ‘heart’ (not organ but the center of your soul) of an individual is the place that is precious to our Lord. It is the thing (your soul) that the enemies of God want to corrupt. For they know that your soul is precious to God’s own heart.

Pursue Him and receive His grace!

Father … we accept YOUR love! Jesus … we accept YOUR LOVE and GRACE! Holy Spirit … help us understand YOUR grace, hope, and love… more deeply!