Paul, in writing to the Corinthian believers, referred to God as the “Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). What a precious appellation for our God! It speaks to the very character and nature of God himself, not just an exercise of frequent goodness. The nature of God is to be merciful, i.e. withholding from men that which we truly deserve – judgement. In fact, God declared to Jeremiah, the prophet, “I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness [steadfast mercy], judgment, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight “(Jeremiah 9:24). God not only extends mercy, but delights in doing so.
The amazing paradox is that his mercy is never at the expense of righteousness for in this, too, he delights. After all, God is absolutely righteous and holy and all of his works are done in righteousness. How can God show mercy and still be righteous? The answer is found in the blood of Jesus Christ shed for the sins of mankind. The judgement of God for ALL of our sins was poured out on Christ when he suffered death in our place at Calvary. The Scriptures declare “For he [God] made him [Christ] to be sin [a sin offering] for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). God is free to exercise mercy consistent with his nature because Christ has born the penalty for every sin of every man, woman, and child!
As a Christian I am the object of God’s mercy each day, every day, all day long! David testified “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6). Thomas Watson, a 17th century preacher wrote “Every time you draw in breath, you suck in mercy.” My sinful nature did not change when I trusted Christ for my salvation, but the blood of Christ requires God to treat me just as if I had never sinned. This truth is the divine pillow upon which every child of God rests his weary soul. How wonderful the words from John Newton’s familiar hymn, Amazing Grace:
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.
For those who have never accepted God’s payment for their sins in the person of Jesus Christ, God shows mercy in patiently inviting and waiting for them to repent. But some day it will be too late. For while the blood of Christ is sufficient payment for all of mankind’s sins, it is only efficient for those who believe, i.e. those who trust Christ as their Savior. The world is divided along this single line. There is no other relevant point of division – not gender, race, ethnic background, etc. There are those who have hidden their souls in the mercy of God and those who stand outside in rebellion and unbelief. Nothing else is of consequence to God or to us.
From the Chaplain 