We often have the misconceived notion that God was a 'God of Truth or Justice' in the Old Testament and a 'God of Grace' in the New; as if he transformed in the 400 years between Malachi and Matthew. As such, we have often put in contrast Truth and Grace, as if they were opposed.
Grace and Truth are actually complementary, not opposing, forces, interacting to form a whole greater than either separate part; in effect, a dynamic system. Everything God does in the Bible has both aspects, from his dealings with the fathers of faith, to the nation of Israel, to Christ, to us. Truth shows the standard and Grace helps us get there. Grace and Truth are two sides to the same coin. Randy Alcorn calls it the 'two wings on a bird'.
In fact, Psalm 85:10, the author writes about this intricate, unique and special relationship: Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.
Here's how they are complimentary:
- Truth identifies the fault, Grace covers it
- Truth establishes God's holiness, Grace establishes God's love
- Truth declares the absolute, Grace reconciles me with it
- Truth is the road to follow, Grace is the transportation
- Truth gives the need for God, Grace gives the hope and the way to God through Christ
- Truth is the standard, Grace is the relationship
- Truth sends the judgement, Grace provides the shelter
- Truth hates the sin, Grace loves the sinner
- Truth is the 'what i say and live', Grace is the 'how I say and live'
- Truth is the content, Grace is the format
- Truth is the words, Grace is the tone
- Truth demands a sacrifice, Grace provides it
- Truth holds up the mirror and shows one clothed in sin, Grace changes the reflection and shows one clothed on Christ
- Truth shows us the right choice, Grace gives us the freedom to choose, and forgives us when the choice is wrong
- Truth does not shy away from announcing itself with conviction, Grace says it with love
- Truth condemns the sinner because of his sin, Grace saves the repentant sinner despite of his sin
Grace and Truth truly have embraced.
Grace and Truth are actually complementary, not opposing, forces, interacting to form a whole greater than either separate part; in effect, a dynamic system. Everything God does in the Bible has both aspects, from his dealings with the fathers of faith, to the nation of Israel, to Christ, to us. Truth shows the standard and Grace helps us get there. Grace and Truth are two sides to the same coin. Randy Alcorn calls it the 'two wings on a bird'.
In fact, Psalm 85:10, the author writes about this intricate, unique and special relationship: Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.
Here's how they are complimentary:
- Truth identifies the fault, Grace covers it
- Truth establishes God's holiness, Grace establishes God's love
- Truth declares the absolute, Grace reconciles me with it
- Truth is the road to follow, Grace is the transportation
- Truth gives the need for God, Grace gives the hope and the way to God through Christ
- Truth is the standard, Grace is the relationship
- Truth sends the judgement, Grace provides the shelter
- Truth hates the sin, Grace loves the sinner
- Truth is the 'what i say and live', Grace is the 'how I say and live'
- Truth is the content, Grace is the format
- Truth is the words, Grace is the tone
- Truth demands a sacrifice, Grace provides it
- Truth holds up the mirror and shows one clothed in sin, Grace changes the reflection and shows one clothed on Christ
- Truth shows us the right choice, Grace gives us the freedom to choose, and forgives us when the choice is wrong
- Truth does not shy away from announcing itself with conviction, Grace says it with love
- Truth condemns the sinner because of his sin, Grace saves the repentant sinner despite of his sin
Grace and Truth truly have embraced.
