Grace & Mercy
“…so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.”
Romans 11:31-32
Mercy is God relenting. Mercy is God not punishing us as our sins deserve. All people have been found guilty. Not one can claim a righteousness before God done by their own strengths, talents or deeds. While the characters of people vary, every person needs mercy, and through Jesus, God is prepared and able to be merciful. Jesus is an expression of God’s grace. Grace is God providing for us what we do not deserve. Mercy is God not giving us what we DO deserve. Grace and mercy go hand in hand. Mercy is God not punishing us because of our sin. Grace is, beyond that, receiving the righteousness of Jesus. Everything good that Jesus ever did is credited to me! I am a son of the Most High. That’s grace! I don’t deserve that!God is the Originator of going above and beyond! Mercy given through the forgiveness of sins would have been enough. God goes way beyond in His grace and also gives me the righteousness of Jesus. No wonder Paul launches into this amazing worship prayer:Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
"Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
Father, I agree!
