“For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”  John 1:17
 
Concerning the law:
Often it is referred to as the Law of Moses.  Joshua 8:30-35 speaks of this as the Covenant is renewed at Mount Ebal,  Vs. 31 says,
“As Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the Israelites, He (Joshua) built it (an altar to the LORD) according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses.”
 
The law was given for the purpose of knowing sin:
“For no person will be justified (made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable) in His sight by observing the works prescribed by the LAW.  For [the real function of] the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin [not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith and holy character].”  Romans 3:20  The Amplified Bible
 
Scripture tells us that the law was given to lead us through faith to Christ:
“Before this faith came, we were held prisoner by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.  So the law was put in charge to led us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.”  Galatians 3:23-24
 
Jesus Christ and He alone could fulfill the Law!  That is why death could not hold Him!  He is the One who brought grace and truth! 
 
Grace: God’s unmerited favor!  We can do nothing to earn it! 
Grace is God’s forgiving mercy:
“And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”  Romans 11:6 
 
God’s grace is glorious and in love,
“He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.”  Ephesians 1:5-6    
 
God has given gifts to Believers according to His grace, therefore,
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10
 
For all who would believe, grace is-- 
The source of salvation:
Peter speaking at the council at Jerusalem concerning the gentile converts,
“Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?  No!  We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”  Acts 15:10-11
 
The source of justification:
“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.  There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  Romans 3:22-24 
 
The source of forgiveness:
“In Him, (Jesus) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sin in accordance with the riches of God grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”  Ephesians 1:7-8
 
We can stand firm in God’s grace and strength!  I close with 2 Thessalonians 1:16,
“May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
 
You know the following verses so well, but I can’t help repeating them in closing as they are (for me) a summary of today’s message,
“For by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  Ephesians 2:8-10
 
Oh Lord God, words are not adequate to tell you how grateful we are for Your grace and mercies.  All we can say is “Thank You” from our hearts that love You, honor You and give You glory.  Amen