Truth grows the believer into the character of Christ. It doesn't just measure a person; it is designed to change a person. Grace always makes room for growth. It will even cause growth to happen in the context of the bad and the downright ugly. "Where sin abounds, grace abounds much more. (Rom.5:21). Grace and truth are companions. They are the dynamics of growth. They are transformative in their effect and their impact.
The well known account of the woman 'caught' in the act of adultery in John 8, is a powerful illustration of the dynamics of grace and truth. The law of Moses was applied in so far as her male accusers were trying to test the 'righteousness' of Jesus, After all sin demanded punishment and surely Jesus if He were righteous would have no option but to apply the rigors of the law. Jesus however exposed their own consciences by saying to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." He applied the law to their own hearts and each of the men from the oldest to the youngest was left exposed. That is what the law does. It exposes human shortfall. Interestingly the only man left standing before the woman was Jesus Himself. He alone was without sin. In fact He alone would have been entitled to stone her to death because he alone was without sin. He alone was righteous. But then we see how grace and truth operate, not to condemn but to save. Only Jesus could say, "neither do I condemn you..." Higher than human shortfall is heaven's grace.
Jesus never ministers condemnation. The Holy Spirit will always communicate "no condemnation" to the person who is "caught out". His words of grace empowered her to receive freedom from condemnation. When Jesus said "...go and sin no more", she was empowered to sin no more. The truth of "no condemnation" set her free from being enslaved to sin.
The same ministry of "no condemnation" could have been received by her accusers had they not just dropped their stones but also their pride. The only way to receive truth that sets free is to adopt a heart of humility. Humility always attracts the grace of God. God will always invite truth to do its work of change from the inside out. The woman "caught in adultery" was now captured by grace and truth.
"Whom the Son sets free is free indeed". (John 8:36)
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished" To purchase go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html. Ross Smith is Senior Pastor of The Vine Church Logan, Qld., Australia
