Grace for Grace

by Watchman Nee, Stephen Kaung (Translator)

"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us . . . full of grace and truth" (John 1.14). This tells us of what Christ Jesus is as He came to tabernacle among men. "For of his fulness we all received, and grace for grace" (John 1.16). This shows us what happens to us after we receive Him. "Grace for grace" this is the blessed portion of all who receive Christ. In the words of George Hutcheson, it is "grace upon grace, grace after grace, and more grace because we have already been given grace." "Each blessing appropriated," wrote B. W. Westcott, "became the foundation of a greater blessing. To have realized and used one measure of grace was to have gained a larger measure (as it were) in exchange for it." In this present volume Watchman Nee first presents to us the series of parables dealing with the new and the old, together with the parable of the prodigal son, in order to illustrate what the grace is that we have received. He then proceeds to show what grace does to us as seen in the blood of Jesus which speaks better than that of Abel, to show the relationship between sin and the body, the meaning of baptism, and also the benefits of confessing sin. Finally, he puts forward what grace does in us as demonstrated in our desire to have communion with God and in our love of God, with the story of Mary Magdalene serving as the natural conclusion to the entire book. May we bow and worship the Lord of grace.

114 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1949

About the author

Watchman Nee (Chinese: 倪柝聲; pinyin: Ní Tuòshēng; Foochow Romanized: Ngà̤ Táuk-sĭng; 1903–1972) was a Chinese Christian author and church leader during the early 20th century. He spent the last 20 years of his life in prison and was severely persecuted by the Communists in China. Together with Wangzai, Zhou-An Lee, Shang-Jie Song, and others, Nee founded The Church Assembly Hall, later which would be also known as the "Local churches" (Chinese: 地方教會). or more commonly as (聚會所) meaning "assembly hall"

Born into a Methodist family, Watchman Nee experienced a religious revival, and joined the Church of Heavenly Peace, Fuzhou in 1920 at age 17 and began writing in the same year. In 1921, he met the British missionary M. E. Barber, who was a great influence on him. Through Miss Barber, Nee was introduced to many of the Christian writings which were to have a profound influence on him and his teachings. Nee attended no theological schools or Bible institutes. His knowledge was acquired through studying the Bible and reading various Christian spiritual books. During his 30 years of ministry, beginning in 1922, Nee traveled throughout China planting churches among the rural communities and holding Christian conferences and trainings in Shanghai. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972.

Reviews

[Agnes | Live Loved · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book!

In short, Nee discusses what grace is and what grace does to us in 8 chapters.

Nee is so so good at unravelling a truth or principle one step at a time, taking you to the very beginning and all the way to the end. He leaves no loose ends.

As I read through the first 20 pages of Nee's exposition on the new wine in old wine-skin as well as the undressed cloth on old garment, I was speechless. I had to pause for a long while, and re-read it slowly. The Scriptures carry such depth in explaining the law and the finished work of Christ.

Nee goes on to discuss two sides of sin which were dealt with by the blood and by the Cross of Christ. The working of the blood in us is given a chapter of it's own.

Nee covers one more parable, baptism, confession, communion with God and loving God.

It's one book which is Scripture-heavy and so deep that I intend to read it again to pick up on some things I may have missed.