The Mercy Of God

Adapted From A Sermon By

George Burder

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,

Eph 2:4 

In our contemplation of the divine perfections, we proposed to take a distinct view of the goodness, the mercy, and the love of God; for though they are sometimes taken for each other, and, in some measure, included in each other, yet a separate consideration of them may be useful; especially as God’s goodness relates to his creatures in general, and as creatures. Mercy relates to those only of his creatures which are sinful, and therefore miserable; and his love describes the delight and contentment of his heart, in his chosen ones. We have already spoken of the divine goodness; let his mercy be the subject this morning; and may we gain such an understanding of this pleasing perfection, that we may learn to “hope in his mercy,” (Psalm 147:11 NKJV) and to “glorify him for his mercy.” (Romans 15:9) That which we shall now endeavor to prove and illustrate is, that

Mercy to miserable sinners is a distinguishing attribute of the blessed God.

Mercy, among men, is a warm and tender affection, arising in the mind at the view of human misery, accompanied by a desire to provide relief; and though we should not ascribe to God any painful feelings, any passion or agitation, grief or trouble, such as we feel, yet we may consider mercy in God as his disposition and readiness to relieve his miserable creatures. Our text asserts, that he is rich in mercy; it is inseparable from him; it belongs to him more than to any other being; so that nothing in his creatures deserves the name, compared with his mercy; for he is “the Father of mercies,” (2 Corinthians 1:3) and “he delights in mercy; (Micah 7:18 NKJV)” it is his glory,—for when Moses (as mentioned in a former sermon) desired to see his glory, he gratified him by proclaiming his names and titles, the first of which was “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious... ” (Exodus 34:6) and this forms the main ground of confidence and trust in him.

As mercy relates to misery, we have to consider the mercy of God as extended to miserable man—to man in his fallen, sinful, helpless state, as a sinner; for, as “those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick,” (Luke 5:31) so none will seek or prize the mercy of God, but those who, in truth, feel, and confess themselves to be “miserable sinners.”

The Scriptures uniformly represent man as a depraved creature, having lost that original uprightness in which he was created. He is now so depraved, so “very far gone from original righteousness, that he is of his own nature inclined to evil.”(Article 9, Thirty-nine Articles of Religion, the doctrinal statement of the Church of England) He is also actually guilty: charged with innumerable offenses against God’s holy law, in thought, word, and deed; for “whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God.” (Romans 3:19) In this state, man cannot but be miserable; for he is exposed to the righteous anger of an offended God; “the wages of sin is death;” (Romans 6:23) and it is, indeed, “a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31) This is the real condition of every man, whether he is aware of it or not. If he is not aware of it, his case is so much the worse; his danger is increased by his ignorance of it, for of course he will not seek for mercy: if it is known, then the mercy of God will be the greatest desire of his soul, and his sincere prayer will be, “God be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 18:13)

That “God is rich in mercy,” is the only truth that can support and encourage the real penitent. This is the relief of which the prophet speaks where the deep distress of some convinced sinners is described: “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.... If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared: O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.” (Psalm 130:1,3,7)

It seems to be a principal goal of the word of God, and especially of the Gospel of Christ, to satisfy the penitent soul, that “God is rich in mercy.” Without these gracious assurances, the self-condemned sinner would be ready to despair; for it is no uncommon thing for those who have just views of the holiness and justice of God, and of the extent and aggravations of their own sins, to fear that their iniquities are too great to be pardoned, and that there is no help for them in God. The tempter also, who “prowls around...seeking someone to devour,” (1 Peter 5:8) and who succeeds in persuading many to neglect the mercy of God, as scarcely needing it, frequently suggests to those who have lately become religious, that there is no mercy for them. But the Gospel provides a sufficient antidote against despair; assures us that God is “abundant in mercy to all those who call upon him;” (Psalm 86:5 NKJV) that if the wicked man forsake his ways, “he will have compassion on him; he will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:7)

But the greatest, the most moving, the most powerful evidence of the divine mercy, appears in the person, character, sufferings, and death of the Son of God; for it might be said, How can God be just, if he is merciful? Is he not infinitely holy? Does he not hate sin intensely? Has he not threatened to punish it with everlasting death? And is he not true to his threatenings? How then can the honor of his justice be maintained, if mercy be shown to the guilty sinner? This objection is reasonable. This question is important. And the question could never have been resolved, had not God himself given the answer. The Gospel now informs us, that “Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.” (Psalm 85:10 NKJV) The mercy of God is now exercised without violating his justice, because justice received full satisfaction in the death of Christ, the sinner’s surety; so that there is justice in punishing the sin, and mercy in relieving the sinner. The sin is punished by justice, in the Surety, and pardoned by mercy, in the sinner: so that he is just without impairing the honor of his mercy, and merciful without invading the rights of his justice.

This shows how appropriately Jesus Christ bears the name of “Mercy;” for when Zacharias praised God on the birth of John, the herald of Christ, he cries, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people; to show the mercy promised to our fathers.” (Luke 1:68, 72) Christ was the mercy promised from the beginning; the mercy of all mercies, the matchless, the invaluable, the unspeakable mercy—the greatest and the best that God himself could bestow on a fallen world, for he is the means of all divine communications with man; the great, the only channel, through which his mercy flows to the guilty children of Adam.

That we may the better conceive of the nature and extent of the divine mercy, let us consider some of its properties.

1. It is free and sovereign. Mercy, indeed, is essential to his nature, and inseparable from it; we cannot conceive of God but as being merciful; yet, the exercise of his mercy is free and sovereign; it is regulated by his will and wisdom; and bestowed in such a way as is consistent with his infinite justice and holiness, and a due regard to the authority of his law, and the honor of his government. Wherever it is bestowed, it is freely bestowed; no one can say they deserve mercy. Some ignorantly talk “of making themselves worthy of the mercy of God, by their repentance and reformation!” but this is to turn mercy into debt, and to set up merit is to destroy mercy.

And it is plain that all sinners do not obtain mercy; many neglect it; many live and die completely careless about it, their hearts being hardened through the deceitfulness of sin; if any therefore obtain mercy, it is from God who gives the desire, inspires the prayer, and leads the soul gladly to receive it through the hands of the Mediator. God himself declares the sovereignty of his mercy, saying to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion: so then (as the apostle Paul concludes) it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” (Romans 9:15-16) Indeed, that apostle was himself a wonderful instance of the freedom and sovereignty of divine mercy, which he frankly confesses; for “though formerly” says he, “I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy.” (1 Timothy 1:13) He calls himself the foremost of sinners, (1 Timothy 1:15) but he was one of those “vessels of mercy... prepared beforehand for glory,” in which God was pleased “to make known the riches of his glory,” (Romans 9:23) that is, of his mercy: and this leads us to observe,

2. That it is rich, and exceedingly abundant. It is worthy of the infinite Being who bestows it. We read in Scripture of “great mercy,”(1 Peter 1:3)—"abundant mercy,”(Psalm 51:1)—“tender mercy,”(Luke 1:78)—and—"great mercies.”(Nehemiah 9:11) God is said to be—“rich in mercy,”(Ephesians 2:4)—"plenteous in mercy,”(Psalm 103:8 NKJV)—and “to keep mercy for thousands.” (Exodus 34:7 NKJV) There is a fullness of mercy in God that is inexhaustible; riches of mercy that cannot be counted; a multitude of mercies which cannot be numbered. Who can number the objects of mercy? Who can recount the mercies that every one of them has received? So that each of them may adopt the pious words of the Psalmist, “You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.” (Psalm 40:5)

And if such be the amount of mercies received by one individual, what must be the total sum of those received by a whole world! This has been the anchor of hope to myriads, who otherwise would have perished in despair. This encouraged Moses to plead in behalf of Israel, when their destruction was threatened, “And now, I pray, let the power of my Lord be great, just as you have spoken, saying, The Lord is longsuffering and abundant in mercy...Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the greatness of your mercy; Then the Lord said: I have pardoned, according to your word.” (Numbers 14:17, 19, 20 NKJV) In like manner, encouragement is offered to the almost despairing penitent,“O Israel, hope in the Lord; For with the Lord there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption.” (Psalm 130:7)

3. Let us add, that this mercy of God is effectual—effectual for the complete relief, and perfect salvation of those who obtain it. Mercy, in man, is often ineffectual: it is merely pity and compassion; it looks, and sighs, and offers words of sympathy and condolence, or pours out prayers to the Father of mercies; but the case is often too serious, the object too far gone to obtain relief from human hands: but the mercy of God comes with infinite power; and there can be no perplexity so complicated, no danger so imminent, no distress so deep, in which his merciful hand cannot provide effectual relief. “Grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man:” (Psalm 60:11) “Your mercy is great above the heavens, and your truth reaches to the clouds.” (Psalm 108:4 NKJV)

4. The mercy of God is comprehensive—that is, it includes, or is connected with, every other desirable good. The soul that requests it may say, “Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” (Psalm 90:14 NKJV) The blessing of pardoning mercy does not come alone: it is the first link in the golden chain of salvation; connected with all the rest, and insuring to the happy possessor, grace and glory; for no good thing will be withheld from the objects of mercy. "He who did not spare His own Son,” the chief mercy, the channel of all other mercies, “but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things!” (Romans 8:32) This shows the unspeakable value of mercy!

5. The mercy of God is perpetual. It always resides in God; in every age of the world he continues to display it; and wherever it is once bestowed, it will never be withdrawn. In a psalm of praise, much used in the Jewish church, this attribute of God is peculiarly celebrated, and the perpetuity of divine mercy is repeatedly declared. Twenty-six times in that Psalm it is said, His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 136 NKJV) This was the chorus of a spiritual song, in which the various blessings of creation and Providence are recited, on account of all which it is said, “Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever!” (Psalm 136:26 NKJV)

Indeed, it has been the same in all ages of the world. All men have needed it, and millions have obtained it. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and all the patriarchs and prophets; the penitents to whom John the baptist preached; the apostles and disciples of our Lord; and all believers from that day on—all have sought, obtained, and praised God for his mercy.

How richly was Mercy displayed in and by the Lord Jesus Christ! Himself the chief Mercy; Mercy was incarnate in him. It was Mercy that brought him down from the throne of glory, and induced him to dwell in a human body; it was Mercy that led him to become a poor, despised man, and to endure the hostility of sinners against himself; (Hebrews 12:3) it was mercy that nailed him to the cross, and laid him in the tomb; and he has risen to the throne of God, with his heart as full as ever of mercy to sinful man. In the high office he occupies, as a Priest upon his throne, he does not forget the miseries of man: “for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses:” (Hebrews 4:15) he who, on earth, was tempted in all points as we now are, still retains a sympathetic heart; and is as ready to pity and relieve the poor sufferer as when, himself a traveler on earth he went about doing good, exercising compassion, instructing the ignorant, healing the sick, and comforting the mourner. Having therefore such a high priest, “let us with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”(Hebrews 4:16)

And, blessed be God, this mercy once bestowed, will never be withdrawn. “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29) Were the objects of mercy left to themselves, to the deceitfulness of sin, and to the ploys of the tempter, they would soon lose every blessing, and wander irrecoverably from God: but he who had mercy because he would have mercy, (Romans 9:15) has engaged, by covenant, to put his fear in their hearts, that they may not depart from him; they will therefore persevere in the good way of faith and holiness, “waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life;” (Jude 1:21) then the final manifestations, fruits, and effects of his mercy will appear, when a complete end will be put to sin and sorrow, and his people will enter into his glory, and sit down with him on his throne. Then, with a newfound emphasis, the joyful song will be shouted by myriads of voices, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 136:1)

And now, let us take care to profit, in a practical way, from this encouraging attribute of the divine Being. Does mercy belong to God? Then let us take care to seek it in time! Do we not need it? Are we not very justly described as, "Miserable Sinners?”(The Book of Common Prayer) Only “Fools mock at sin.” (Proverbs 14:9 NKJV) All thinking and serious persons will readily admit that they are sinners; and, as such, that they need mercy.

But are our hearts affected with this conviction?—deeply affected?—durably affected? Some light and transient thoughts of needing mercy, most men have at times, especially in the hour of affliction, and in the fear of death; but they soon fade away. No use is made of them. They do not lead to fervent prayer for mercy; and the general notions that some men have of mercy are sadly abused. They encourage themselves to continue in sin, because they think that God is merciful, and they may obtain mercy whenever they please. But let such persons know that this presumption is exceedingly displeasing to God. As he is infinitely merciful to penitent sinners, who are inclined to forsake their sins, so he is infinitely just to take vengeance on hardhearted and impenitent transgressors, who take his mercy for granted.

He has said "God will strike the heads of his enemies, the hairy crown of him who walks in his guilty ways;” (Psalm 68:21) and again he has said “He will not be merciful to any wicked transgressors. (Psalm 59:5 NKJV)” Again he said to him who cries "I shall have peace, even though I follow the dictates of my heart. The Lord would not spare him; for then the anger of the Lord and His jealousy would burn against that man.” (Deuteronomy 29:19 NKJV)

Beware, then, of abusing mercy; and do not let the present moment be neglected. Tomorrow may be too late. "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15) Soon the door will be shut, and many will seek to enter in, but will not be able. (Luke 13:24) When God had shut Noah into the ark, there was no refuge for the drowning multitudes who refused his calls to repentance. But now he says, “let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:7) Only turn to God through Christ, and beg him to help you to do it. If you turn to the Lord, he will have mercy upon you. It is his own word, "he who confesses and forsakes his transgressions will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) If you will not come to Christ, you will not, cannot, have life; but coming to him, you “will never be cast out,” (John 6:37) but obtain mercy, and “the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse you from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

The mercy of God is a great encouragement to prayer. In the temple of Solomon there was a Mercy-seat—this was the cover of the Ark, sprinkled with the blood of atonement, towards which all who offered up their petitions at the hour of prayer, turned their faces. Towards this seat of mercy the penitent tax collector looked (in spirit at least) when he presented that humble but successful petition, “God be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 18:13) We too have a “a throne of grace,” sprinkled with the blood of the Lamb, to which we are kindly invited to approach with confidence, “that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) A persuasion that God is “rich in mercy” (Ephesians 2:4) to all who call on him, will inspire us with holy boldness. This will enable us to echo the Psalmist’s plea, “Great is your mercy, O Lord; give me life according to your rules!” (Psalm 119:156) Again, he pleads, “Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy;” (Psalm 119:124 NKJV) or, as another eminent believer pleaded, “We do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy.” (Daniel 9:18)

Does mercy belong to God? Then let humble believers trust, and not be afraid. Think highly, think deeply of divine mercy. “He will abundantly pardon.” He will readily pardon. His thoughts are not as man’s constrained thoughts—his ways are not as man’s limited ways: but superior, as the heavens are above the earth. Enlarge, then, your views of the mercy of God. Cherish extended thoughts of his goodness; and say, with the Psalmist, “I will hope in your mercy;” (Psalm 33:18) “I trust in the mercy of God forever;” (Psalm 52:8 NKJV) and this will induce you to

Thank God for his mercy. Look back and consider how much you owe to mercy! How many dangers have you escaped! how many deliverances experienced! how many benefits received! Reflect on his preventing mercies; how many sins were you prevented from committing! his providing mercies; how constantly has he supplied your returning needs! his restoring mercies, recovering you from the very borders of the grave! but, above all, think of his pardoning mercies!—how he has pardoned your renewed and multiplied transgressions! O then “give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever! (Psalm 136:1 NKJV) let the redeemed of the Lord (especially) say so, and add, “How precious to me are your thoughts (of mercy), O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand.” (Psalm 139:17 NKJV) And when you reflect upon this vast profusion of mercies, reflect also on your total unworthiness of them, of any of them. What God has done for you, was not only without merit, but contrary to it. So far were you from deserving any favor, that you deserved his anger; he might not only have withheld his blessings, but he might justly have punished your transgressions. Do not forget then to make some grateful return for his favors. “They are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:23) Let your praises be as frequently renewed. Offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and in the spirit of the patriarch Jacob, who had a long experience of the divine favor, say, “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which you have shown!” (Genesis 32:10)

Finally, Let us imitate divine mercy. They who have obtained mercy, should certainly show mercy. Such persons can never be covetous, hardhearted, cruel, or oppressive. Shall he, to whom a huge debt has been forgiven, seize his brother by the throat for a few pennies? It is impossible. If you do not forgive men their trespasses, it is certain that you are not forgiven. But, on the contrary, Christians, “put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:12-13)

Such is the scriptural direction to those who have received mercy; and this will be the best evidence of having received it; for thus said he who will be our Judge, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy!” (Matthew 5:7)