Spared by Mercy
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.
Ephesians 2:4-5
When the scribes and Pharisees caught a woman committing adultery, they brought her to Jesus to see how He would deal with her. Punishments for adultery were strict under Jewish law, but instead of recommending the punishment she deserved, He forgave her and sent her on her way with an admonition not to sin further. What Jesus did was exercise mercy—withholding punishment that was deserved (John 7:53–8:11).
Grace is bestowing favor or blessing that is not deserved, but mercy is canceling punishment that is deserved. Christians have received both. Though we deserved punishment for our sins against God, we received mercy because He “made us alive” in Christ. And though we don’t deserve God’s blessing, His grace is showered upon us through love, forgiveness, and favor of every sort. The result is that we are saved because of His mercy (canceling our punishment) and grace (awakening us to Christ through faith).
Because of the mercy of God, we are saved. Look for ways to be merciful to others as God has been merciful to you.
The name Jehovah carries majesty in it; the name Father carries mercy in it.
Thomas Watson
Turning Point Ministries
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.
Ephesians 2:4-5
When the scribes and Pharisees caught a woman committing adultery, they brought her to Jesus to see how He would deal with her. Punishments for adultery were strict under Jewish law, but instead of recommending the punishment she deserved, He forgave her and sent her on her way with an admonition not to sin further. What Jesus did was exercise mercy—withholding punishment that was deserved (John 7:53–8:11).
Grace is bestowing favor or blessing that is not deserved, but mercy is canceling punishment that is deserved. Christians have received both. Though we deserved punishment for our sins against God, we received mercy because He “made us alive” in Christ. And though we don’t deserve God’s blessing, His grace is showered upon us through love, forgiveness, and favor of every sort. The result is that we are saved because of His mercy (canceling our punishment) and grace (awakening us to Christ through faith).
Because of the mercy of God, we are saved. Look for ways to be merciful to others as God has been merciful to you.
The name Jehovah carries majesty in it; the name Father carries mercy in it.
Thomas Watson
Turning Point Ministries
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