The Attributes of God Mercy, Grace Theology Proper The Attributes of God Mercy, Grace

Mercy must be defined in terms relative to the sinfulness of man Mercy must be defined in terms relative to the sinfulness of man. Every person as a sinner deserves every evil by virtue of his estrangement from God. The fact that we do not suffer more than we do is a manifestation of the mercy of God. Mercy is most obviously demonstrated and God’s intervention for sinners in the work of Christ on the cross.

God’s Mercy Great – 1 Ki. 3:6; Psa. 103:11 Plenteous – Psa. 86:5 Eternal – Psa. 103:17; 1 Chr. 16:34 Tender – Luke 1:78 Abundant – Phil. 1:8; 2:1; Col. 3:12

The Extension of Mercy Creation – Psa. 145:9; 119:64 Mankind – Lam. 3:22-23 Israel – Ezra 3:11; Isa. 14:1; Neh. 9:31 Sinners – Rom. 11:30-31 Obedient Believers – Rom. 9:23; Psa. 86:5; Isa. 55:7; Psa. 32:10

Mercy is not a counterbalance to the justice and righteousness of God Mercy is not a counterbalance to the justice and righteousness of God. Only God can be both just and merciful at the same time. It is important to remember that we who are the recipients of salvation through the mercy of God (Titus 3:5; Romans 9:16) are admonished to extend mercy to others. (Matthew 9:10-13; 12:7; 23:23)

Grace is a close companion to the attribute of mercy Grace is a close companion to the attribute of mercy. Mercy primarily withholds the suffering which is justly deserved by sinners. Grace on the other hand dispenses benefits which are not deserved and cannot be deserved. It is commonly defined as unmerited favor. Like mercy grace is the active extension of the character of God. God is gracious in His essence and cannot be otherwise dealings with man. Therefore there is a sense in which every man is the recipient of the common grace of God.

The Grace of God Salvation – Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 3:24 Acceptance – Eph. 1:3-6 Redemption – Eph. 1:7 Sanctification – Tit. 2:12 Enablement – 2 Cor. 12:9; Heb. 12:28; 2 Cor.s 9:8; 1 Cor. 15:10 Gifting – Rom. 12:6; Eph. 3:7 Preservation – 1 Pet. 1:13

As surely as grace is the source and means of salvation, it is also the source and means of the Christian life. The sufficiency of grace is a matter of great comfort for the believer. Living in a world dominated by evil can seem to be overwhelming at times. Grace can conquer all our sin. (Rom. 5:19-21) There will always be grace sufficient for every need. (Heb. 4:16 )