Meaning: The quote "Grace tried is better than grace, and more than grace; it is glory in its infancy" by Samuel Rutherford, a Scottish Presbyterian theologian, encapsulates a profound idea about the nature and value of grace. In this quote, Rutherford suggests that the experience of grace in action, or "tried" grace, carries more significance and power than merely possessing grace in theory or concept. He goes on to describe it as "glory in its infancy," implying that the fullness and magnificence of grace are realized and developed through the active engagement and application of grace in one's life.

Rutherford's words reflect a deep understanding of the Christian concept of grace and its transformative potential. Grace, in Christian theology, is commonly understood as the unmerited favor and blessing bestowed upon individuals by God. It is often associated with forgiveness, redemption, and the unearned gift of salvation. However, Rutherford's quote goes beyond the traditional understanding of grace as a passive gift and emphasizes the importance of actively living out and testing the boundaries of grace.

When Rutherford speaks of "grace tried," he is referring to the practical, lived experience of grace in the face of challenges, temptations, and trials. It is the embodiment of grace in one's actions, relationships, and responses to adversity. Rutherford suggests that this tested and practiced grace holds a deeper significance and value than a mere theoretical understanding of grace. It is through the active engagement with grace that its true transformative power is realized and its potential for bringing about personal and spiritual growth is unleashed.

The notion that "grace tried is better than grace" aligns with the teachings of many Christian traditions that emphasize the importance of faith in action. It echoes the sentiment expressed in the New Testament book of James, where the author asserts that faith without works is dead. Similarly, Rutherford's quote implies that grace without active application and demonstration in one's life may lack the fullness of its potential.

Rutherford's use of the phrase "glory in its infancy" further underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of grace. By describing tried grace as "glory in its infancy," he suggests that the full realization and manifestation of grace's transformative power are a process that unfolds over time. It implies that as individuals actively engage with grace, allowing it to shape their thoughts, behaviors, and relationships, they are participating in the gradual unfolding of a magnificent and glorious transformation within themselves.

In the context of Rutherford's theological perspective, the quote also reflects the idea that grace is not merely a static state of being but a dynamic force that continually shapes and refines the character of the believer. It emphasizes the ongoing journey of growth and maturation that occurs as individuals wrestle with and apply grace in the complexities of everyday life.

Overall, Rutherford's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the active and transformative nature of grace. It challenges individuals to move beyond a passive reception of grace and to actively engage with it, allowing it to shape and mold their lives. The idea that "grace tried is better than grace" encourages a deep exploration of the practical implications of grace and its potential to bring about personal and spiritual transformation. It invites individuals to embrace the ongoing process of experiencing and embodying grace in their lives, recognizing that through this active engagement, the fullness of grace's glory is realized.