The gospel of John (chapter 8) records how Jesus was confronted with a woman being on the point of capital punishment for being adulterous after she was caught in it. His grace at that time saved her. Then he saved her even further by commanding her to be adulterous no more, to sin no more. This use of a powerful gift of speech used by Jesus to save someone from the effects of past sins and from the continuing in the future to keep on sinning is sometimes called grace. Grace like this continued to be a feature of disciples of Jesus long after that time of the direct ministry Jesus himself. It still continues today, in life-giving rebukes and gifted, inspired words even from people not normally known for intelligence or education. It can come especially from the inner faith of those gifted with it, and from the faith of those receiving its powerful saving effects. It is especially associated with inspiration. This can be a work of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus had promised to ask God to send in his name, to continue his gracious work. It is literally God’s gift. It can lead towards becoming worthy of resurrection and eternal life, when we do not receive it in vain. Take heed to it. In its various forms it is light in our darkness.
