In his glorious prologue, John sings what is likely an early hymn extolling Jesus. The hymn begins with his divinity reflected in his eternality: “In the beginning was the Word…” (John 1:1-3). His divinity was also revealed in the life and light he brought (1:4-5). In the hymn’s course, John tells of God’s witness, another John, to the Word’s arrival, but the people refused to believe (1:6-13). The climax reveals the divine Word became flesh, full of the glory of God (1:14-15). The song closes with the work he accomplished: “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (1:16-17).

In discussions about faith and law, people often put Moses and Jesus in competition because of John 1:17. Moses gave the law, which was good, but Jesus trumped it all with grace and truth, which is better. However, John is not contrasting the quality of their works. Rather, v. 17 explains the phrase “grace upon grace” in v. 16. To receive grace upon grace means grace multiplied upon itself—an abundance of grace. Jesus built grace upon Moses’ grace.

A contrast of Moses and Jesus would imply Moses’ law did not offer grace; and Jesus’ grace did not contain law. Yet the Law of Moses contained grace for sinners through sacrifices. Grace produced the law that defined sin and brought people closer to God. Jesus brought grace more fully by sacrificing himself for sins. He also brought the law of the Spirit and life.

Law, grace, and truth are not incompatible. God uses them together to save humanity.