The Fulness of Christ
W. Bridge, M. A. John 1:16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. The word "fulness" is given to vessels that are brimful of liquor, and so is metaphorically applied to Christ, who is brimful of grace. I. Take grace for LOVE, so there is a fulness of love in Christ. 1. Of pardoning love (Luke 23:24). When on earth He did not pardon once, but again and again, and that without upbraiding. 2. Of compassionating love (Matthew 5:3-4). When poor souls could not come to Him He went to them. 3. Of special love to His disciples (Matthew 12:47-50). II. Take grace for HOLINESS, and there is a fulness of holiness in Him. Holy things, the law, priests, temple, were only types of Him. If there were not a fulness of holiness in Him — 1. How is it possible that God and man could be brought so near who were so far apart? 2. How should He be anointed with the oil of gladness above His fellows (Ephesians 1:23). The saint's fulness is only particular, His is universal (Colossians 1:19). Their's ebbs and flows and is often empty. III. Take grace for GIFTS, and there is a fulness of excellency in Christ. 1. Kingly (Hebrews 1:3, 8). 2. Prophetical (ver. 17). 3. Priestly (John 16:7, 10). 4. In general (Haggai 2:7; Colossians 1:11). IV. WHAT IS OUR DUTY FLOWING FROM HENCE? If there be such a fulness then — 1. Let all men come to Him. All have wants. 2. Let us trust to Him. 3. Leg us draw forth from Him. (1) By a serious, frequent consideration of His fulness (2 Corinthians 3:18). (2) By resting upon it in time of temptation. (3) By giving forth of it, as the conduit receives more water by letting out. 4. Let us labour to be like Him, full of grace. 5. Let us take heed how we do anything that may rob Christ of the glory of His fulness. (W. Bridge, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. WEB: From his fullness we all received grace upon grace.