“Because He Delighteth In Mercy, He Will Turn Again…”
Micah
7:19-20
As we have seen, mercy is
always active, working, and effectual. The instances of mercy, to the objects
of it, are many and varied.
Election
God’s election of some to
salvation and eternal life in Christ was a great work of mercy toward us. To be
precise, election is an act of God’s sovereign, everlasting love (Jer. 31:3);
and all the blessings of grace flow to chosen sinners “according as he hath chosen us in” Christ (Eph. 1:3-6). Yet, God
has decreed, according to his love toward us,
to show mercy. He has resolved
within himself, saying, "I will have mercy, and will save." Thus, “God hath not appointed us to wrath,” which
we fully deserve, but to obtain salvation
by our Lord Jesus Christ.” Presupposing our need of salvation as fallen
creatures, our all-merciful God chose us unto salvation in everlasting mercy.
He created us as vessels of mercy because he was resolved from eternity to turn
to us in mercy and save us, according to the riches of his grace in Christ.
Redemption
Our redemption by Christ is
a great act of divine mercy. It was the mercy of God that resolved upon
redemption and salvation for us, found a ransom for our souls, and sent Christ
into the world on the errand of salvation (Job 33:24). Mercy laid help upon one
that is mighty and exalted one chosen out of the people to be our Redeemer. In
him, "mercy and truth have met
together.” In Christ crucified as our Redeemer, “righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” In his love and
pity, the Lord Jesus Christ redeemed us (Isa. 63:9).
Forgiveness
The forgiveness of sin is a
marvelous work of God’s mercy. Forgiveness must be traced to the mercy-seat,
the throne of grace, which is Christ himself. Without God’s free mercy, forgiveness
could never be obtained (Ps. 51:1; Dan. 9:9; Luke 1:77,78). God has promised it
in covenant, as the effect of his mercy; "I
will be merciful to their unrighteousness” (Heb 8:12). The Lord Jesus was
set forth Christ in the purpose of God, and in the Book of God, to be the
propitiation for the remission of sins by the shedding of his blood, that God
might be both just and the Justifier of all who believe (Rom. 3:25-26).
Regeneration
Our regeneration, the new
birth, is the result of God’s great mercy, too (Eph. 2:1-6; 1 Pet. 1:3). It is
wonderful and special mercy which quickens a sinners dead in trespasses and
sins; enlightens such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to
delivers them from the bondage of Satan. It is mercy, omnipotent, immaculate
mercy which gives liberty to men long enslaved to sin and Satan, snatches them
as brands out of the burning, and saves them from everlasting destruction!
Mercy found us in a pit wherein there was no water, no relief and comfort,
brought us out and planted us in the garden of grace! It is the mercy of God
that revealed Christ to us and in us, the hope of glory; and gives them a good
hope through grace.
Grace Baptist Church of Danville - Grace For
Today Radio Message #668
2734 Old Stanford Road -
Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438
Donald S. Fortner, Pastor -Telephone 606-236-8235 - Email grace@mis.net