This week we are considering two words that are different but closely related. There are four verses where we see them together.
2 John 3, Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.
1 Timothy 1:2, To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Timothy 1:2, To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hebrews 4:16, Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
2 John 1:3, Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.
Grace is defined as favor, kindness and blessings that are given by God to a person who does not deserve them. Because of our sin and disobedience to the will of God, we only deserve God’s anger and judgement. Nevertheless, out of God’s love these things are given even though they are not merited or earned by the person. This is often associated with our salvation which is given to us graciously as a free gift, based upon our faith, which is also given to us. Ephesians 2.8-9, “For it is by grace we have been saved through faith—and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
Mercy can be described as a subset under grace. It is God’s grace that leads him to show mercy. It is defined as God’s compassion and forgiveness towards through which the punishment that we do deserve is withheld. The penalty for our sin and rebellion is death. But because of God’s mercy, he withholds that and we do not die. Psalm 103.8, “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Mercy also is evident in our salvation.
Both of these are available through Jesus the Christ, through his death and resurrection. We deserved judgment, but in Christ we receive mercy from God and are delivered from judgment. We do not deserve blessings, but in Christ we receive eternal salvation, forgiveness of sins, and abundant life. Our response to the mercy and grace of God should be to fall on our knees in worship and thanksgiving. Let us give praise and glory to God for his grace and mercy given to us…
In Christ Alone
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