Grace and Truth by H. G. Butcher

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 29, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 17.

Grace and Truth.

By H. G. Butcher

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17. In Eph. 2:8, 9 we learn that grace is the gift of God, and that salvation came by grace, and not by works. Salvation was necessary for those who first sinned, so since the first sinner grace did much more abound. The so-called Christian dispensation, or any other, could not limit the grace of God. Many people have been taught that God saved people at one time in one way, and at another time in a different way. But the law of circumcision did not avail the people anything if they were not obedient to the law of Ten Commandments; neither does it avail the people at this time anything to observe the ordinances of the Lord’s house, if they are not obedient to the law of Ten Commandments. “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matt. 19:17. The ordinances and the law centered in Jesus Christ. In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” This was not only true at that time, but it always was true; and no person ever has come to the Father, but by Christ. “I do not frustrate the grace of God; for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Gal. 2:21. Neither does grace frustrate the law; for the law is truth. See Ps. 119:142, 172. And grace is made effective to the individual by faith, concerning which the apostle says, “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law.” Rom. 3:31.

Dear reader, may Jesus be the Way, the Truth, and the Life in you; and He will cause you to walk with Him in His Father’s commandments, and they are not grievous. “And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” Make this truth your own, He hath given it to all. Receive it, and be blessed. H. G. BUTCHER.

Haddonfield, N. J.