What is the relationship between grace and truth?

Answer

The combination of grace and truth is evident in various passages of the Bible, such as Colossians 1:6 and 2 John 1:3 in the New Testament, and 2 Samuel 15:20 and Psalm 86:15 in the Old Testament. Additionally, John 1:14 and 17 state, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. . . . For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

It is highly likely that John is alluding to the Hebrew terms hesed (“mercy” or “lovingkindness”) and emet (“truth” or “faithfulness”), which are paired in Exodus 34:6: “Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth.’” Notably, the characteristics of God in the Old Testament are attributed to Christ in the New Testament. At the start of his gospel, John subtly conveys the divinity of Jesus. The subsequent sections of John’s gospel will elaborate on this truth.

The harmonious interaction of grace and truth is crucial. Overemphasizing grace alone can lead to a superficial and sentimental basis where justice or truth is disregarded. Conversely, focusing solely on truth can deteriorate into a rigid, doctrinaire stance. Jesus exemplifies the ideal equilibrium of both grace and truth. He embodies both qualities in abundance.

Grace and truth are interwoven in the gospel message, setting Christianity apart from other faiths. In contrast to all other belief systems, grace and truth are not in equilibrium. In those cases, the deity worshipped either administers justice without grace or extends grace without upholding justice and truth. Christianity stands out as God bestows grace through His justice and truth.

The reality is that everyone has fallen short of God’s glory «for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God» (Romans 3:23). This underscores the universal need for both grace and truth in the redemptive message of the gospel.

Of the glory of God; », (Romans 3:23) and deserves God’s justice. However, God’s justice is satisfied, and His truth upheld, through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. That act delivers God’s grace to those who will accept it by faith.

In this way, Christianity stands alone as an ontological faith—one that is fully dependent on a person—Jesus Christ—who perfectly balances and embodies both grace and truth in His very being.