Mercy Of God: He Abundantly Pardons

He spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:32.

The Deity was glorified by pouring upon the world a flood of healing grace that was never to be obstructed or withdrawn till the plan of salvation is fulfilled.

For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. Romans 11:32.

The love and benevolence of God have not ceased. His mercy is still directed toward the fallen race.

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, 

much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:10.

Mercy implies the imperfection of the object toward which it is shown.

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God; for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6, 7.

Therefore, our only hope is a transformation of character through repentance and faith in Christ as our personal Savior.

Moreover, through the merits of Christ we may claim the privileges of sons and daughters of God.

Restored in Christ

The Law of God is manifested as the transcript of His character - the expression of His will.  It is not changed to meet sinners in their fallen condition.

Keep on reading: The Law of God Is Holy And Immutable - A transcript Of His Character

Moreover, it is exalted and magnified in the life and character of Christ.

Furthermore, a way of salvation is provided - the spotless Lamb of God is revealed as the One who taketh away the sin of the world.

Jesus stands in the sinner's place, and takes the guilt of the transgressor upon Himself. 

Looking upon the sinner's substitute and surety, the Lord Jehovah can be just, and yet be the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus. Romans 3:26.

To those who accept Christ as their righteousness and their only hope - pardon is pronounced.

For God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. 2 Corinthians 5:19.

The justice, truth, and holiness of Christ, which are approved by the Ten Commandments of God, form a channel through which mercy may be communicated to the repenting, believing sinner.

In searching to know God, one is directed to Christ, who lived out the Law of God, and manifested to the world the Father’ character.

In the Son of God the inexpressible goodness of God is revealed.

For in Him mercy and truth meet together, righteousness and peace kiss each other. Psalms 85:10.

God looks upon the face of His Anointed, who is your Substitute and Surety. 

Moreover, He listens to the plea of our Advocate, who died for our sins, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21.

You can change your own character only by partaking of the grace of Christ, who is all goodness, righteousness, mercy, and truth.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, 

are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

The Father's mercy fails not

God’s throne in the Heavenly Temple is established in righteousness and judgment. 

In the most Holy place is His Law - the great rule of right by which humanity is tested.

The ark that enshrines the tables of the law is covered with the mercy-seat, before which Christ pleads His blood in the sinner's behalf.

This represents the union of justice and mercy in the plan of humans’ redemption. It is devised and accomplished by infinite wisdom and power.

This is the mystery of mercy into which angels desire to look - that God can be just while he justifies the repenting sinner, and renews His intercourse with the fallen race.

God gave Himself in Christ. He has enriched the world with a gift beyond all parallel.

Continue reading: The Best Gift Of God: Open Your Heart To Receive Christ

This gift is the source of all patience, forbearance, and mercy. It is love sufficient to fill the whole world.

Thus Christ stooped to:

• raise humanity and clothe them with the spotless garments of His own righteousness

• unite them with angels who have never fallen

• make them dwell forever in the presence of God.

Through Christ the true believers are represented as being built together for the habitation of God through the Spirit.

Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 

and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,

Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner-stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord;

in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22.

God’s purpose

God has a purpose for each and everyone of us.

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins. Isaiah 44:22.

I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Jeremiah 31:34.

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; 

and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7.

In those days, and in that time, saith the Lord, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; 

and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found. Jeremiah 50:20.

Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? 

He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy. Micah 7:18.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us; Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7.

These words show us what we may become in Christ by striving to fulfill God's purpose.

Furthermore, He showed us what humanity may become. In His sanctified human nature He revealed what mankind must be.

Christ as a perfect instance of our perfected humanity, uniting in Himself the attributes of the Deity with our human nature?

Justice and mercy

Satan claimed that the Law of God could not be obeyed and justice was inconsistent with mercy.

Furthermore, should the law be broken, it would be impossible for the sinner to be pardoned.

Therefore, if God would remit the punishment of sin, He would not be a God of truth and justice and humans could not be forgiven.

In other words, God could not be just and yet shows mercy to the sinner.

God’s people cannot answer the charges of Satan. As they look to themselves they are ready to despair.

Nonetheless, they appeal to the divine Advocate. They plead the merits of the Redeemer.

Thus God can be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 3:26.

For the good of the entire universe, Satan was given time to fully develop his principles. 

Moreover, his charges against the Divine government might be seen in their true light by all created beings.

Consequently, that the justice and mercy of God and the immutability of His Law might forever be placed beyond question.

Christ links in His teaching the warning of judgment with the invitation of mercy.

The Son of man has not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. Luke 9:56.

God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17.

His mission of mercy in its relation to God's justice and judgment is illustrated in the parable of the barren fig tree.

The Law and the Gospel

The Gospel doesn’t ignore humans’ obligations due to God. It is the Law unfolded and gives no more freedom to sin than does the Law.

The Law points to Christ and Christ points to the Law. The Gospel calls people to repentance of sin. Sin is the transgression of the Law.

Therefore the Gospel calls humans from their transgression back to obedience to the Law of God.

Jesus taught the strictest obedience through His life and death. He died - just for the unjust, the innocent for the guilty, that the honor of God's Law might be preserved, and yet humanity not utterly perished.

In Christ mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

This penalty Christ bore for the transgressor’s sins. He has borne the punishment for every human being.

For this reason He can ransom every single soul, however fallen his or her condition, if they would accept the Law of God as their standard of righteousness.

The cry of despair from the soul calls forth the tenderest love of God, and this is salvation to everyone that believes.

Those who see the guilt of their transgression and understand the infinite sacrifice made in their behalf, will not continue in sin.

Nevertheless, if people continue to resist truth and evidence, they will cut themselves off from God's mercy.

God can not save the sinner in his or her sin.

The love of God is immeasurable to those who repent. However, His justice is firm and uncompromising to those who abuse His long-suffering love.

Continue reading: The Infinite Love Of God Toward You - Amazing And Everlasting

Obtaining mercy

The pardon granted by the king in the parable of Matthew 28 represents the Divine forgiveness of all sin. 

Christ is represented by the king, who moved with compassion and forgave the debt of His servant.

Humans were under the condemnation of the broken law. They could not save themselves. Therefore, Christ came to this world and gave His life - just for the unjust.

Furthermore, He freely offers the blood-bought pardon to every soul.

With the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption. Psalm 130:7.

When the debtor pleaded with his lord for mercy, he had no true sense of the greatness of his debt. He did not realize his helplessness.

He hoped to deliver himself.

Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Matthew 18:26.

In the same manner, many hope today by their own works to merit God's favor. They don’t accept the grace of God as a free gift.

Conversely, they try to build themselves up in self-righteousness. Their own hearts are not broken and humbled on account of sin.

Keep on reading: When The Heart Is Renewed By The Divine Spirit

Therefore, they are exacting and unforgiving toward others. To all of them is the warning:

So likewise, shall My Heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Matthew 18:35.

One who refuses to forgive is thereby casting away his or her own hope of pardon.

Therefore: Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:3-5.

Conclusion

God gave Himself in Christ. This Gift is the source of all patience, forbearance and mercy. It is love sufficient to fill the whole world.

He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall he not with Him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:32.

He has enriched the world with a gift beyond all parallel.

Therefore:

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; 

and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8.

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 1:21.

References:

1. YI, Aug 1896; GC88 415; ST, Nov 1899; YI, Nov 1894; ST, Jan 1898; COL 186, 204, 212, 244; ST, May 1902; ST, Jun 1896; GC88 498; ST, Feb 1897 - The Ellen G. White Estate

2. The Bible, King Jame Version (KJV)

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