That’s an awfully big ‘but’

John 1:17 “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

There exists within theology the concept of dispensational replacement theology. I can only imagine, for some, definitions are in need.

Dispensationalism = the interpreting of history as a series of divine dispensations.

Dispensation = a certain order, system, or arrangement; administration or management.

The one we see as easy based on the English language …. ‘but’

conjunction:… an uninflected linguistic form that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words

replacement:.. unless; if not; except; on the contrary

preposition:…with the exception of; except; save: No one replied but me.

adverb : .. only; just: There is but one God.

1. For the law was given by Moses, on the contrary grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

2. For the law was given by Moses, except grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

3. For the law was given by Moses, with the exception of grace and truth [which] came by Jesus Christ.

4. For the law was given by Moses, only grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

The really odd part of this one simple little word is the fact the Greek word doesn’t exude the same definition. The ‘word’ is actually a phrase. G5485 Charis [karees] means “what is due to grace”

1. the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace
2. the token or proof of grace, benefit
   1. a gift of grace
   2. benefit, bounty

For the law was given by Moses, a gift, grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

For the law was given by Moses, a benefit, grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

For the law was given by Moses, a bounty, grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

People miss the fact that the law, or instructions, are exactly what the Greek word defines. The Torah is a blessing to the reader. The catalyst is found in Jesus Christ.