If It Were Not For His Mercy
This study explores the profound and indispensable nature of God's mercy, revealing how it underpins our salvation, sustains our daily lives, and calls us to a life of compassion. We will delve into the character of the one true God, who, in His boundless love, extended mercy to humanity through His manifestation in Christ Jesus.
1. The Nature of God's Mercy
1.1 God's Enduring Compassion
Verses: Psalm 103:8; Psalm 136:1; Lamentations 3:22-23
- God's mercy is a fundamental aspect of His character, not a fleeting emotion.
- His compassion is everlasting, providing constant hope and comfort.
- It is because of His mercy that we are not consumed.
1.2 Mercy as an Attribute of the One God
Verses: Exodus 34:6-7; Deuteronomy 4:31; Nehemiah 9:31
- The one true God is rich in mercy and grace.
- His mercy is consistent with His justice, offering a path to reconciliation.
- This attribute defines the Lord's relationship with His creation.
1.3 Mercy Revealed in His Patience
Verses: Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; Isaiah 30:18
- God's patience is an extension of His mercy, giving time for repentance.
- He desires all to come to repentance, not wishing any to perish.
- His delay in judgment is an act of profound mercy.
2. Mercy in Salvation
2.1 Our Need for Mercy
Verses: Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3
- All humanity is fallen and in desperate need of divine intervention.
- We were spiritually dead in trespasses and sins.
- Our past lives were characterized by disobedience and futility.
2.2 The Manifestation of Mercy in Christ
Verses: John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:4-5
- God Himself, in His great love, manifested in flesh as Jesus Christ.
- It was through this divine manifestation that mercy was fully extended to humanity.
- Our salvation is not by works of righteousness, but according to His mercy.
2.3 Mercy in the New Birth
Verses: Acts 2:38; John 3:5; Romans 6:3-4
- God's mercy provides the path to new life through repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.
- This spiritual rebirth involves being born of water and the Spirit.
- Through baptism, we are buried with Him and raised to walk in newness of life.
2.4 Justified by His Mercy
Verses: Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:4-5; 1 Peter 1:3
- While we were still sinners, God demonstrated His love and mercy for us.
- He made us alive together with Christ, even when we were dead in sins.
- We are born again to a living hope through His abundant mercy.
3. Living by His Mercy
3.1 Daily Dependence on His Mercy
Verses: Hebrews 4:16; Psalm 23:6; Psalm 86:5
- We are encouraged to approach the throne of grace with confidence to obtain mercy.
- Goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives.
- The Lord is good and ready to forgive, abundant in mercy to all who call upon Him.
3.2 Forgiveness Through His Mercy
Verses: 1 John 1:9; Psalm 51:1-2; Micah 7:18-19
- When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.
- He blots out our transgressions according to His lovingkindness.
- He delights in mercy and casts all our sins into the depths of the sea.
3.3 Strength and Deliverance by His Mercy
Verses: Psalm 118:21; Psalm 40:11; Psalm 6:4
- We thank Him for His mercy, which has become our salvation.
- He does not withhold His tender mercies from us.
- He delivers our soul for His mercies' sake.
4. The Call to Mercy
4.1 Extending Mercy to Others
Verses: Matthew 5:7; Luke 6:36; Colossians 3:12-13
- Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
- We are called to be merciful, just as our Father is merciful.
- As God has forgiven us, so we also ought to forgive others.
4.2 Walking Humbly in Mercy
Verses: Micah 6:8; James 2:13; Proverbs 28:13
- The Lord requires us to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.
- Mercy triumphs over judgment.
- Whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will have mercy.
4.3 The Hope of Future Mercy
Verses: Jude 1:21; Romans 11:32; 2 Timothy 1:18
- We are to keep ourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
- God has consigned all to disobedience, that He may have mercy on all.
- May the Lord grant mercy to His servants in that Day.