The Mercy Of God # 3

 The Mercy Of God # 3

From what has just been before us, let us note how vain is the presumptuous hope of the wicked, who, notwithstanding their continued defiance of God, nevertheless count upon His being merciful to them. How many there are who say, "I do not believe that God will ever cast me into hell; He is too merciful."

Such a hope is a viper, which if cherished in their bosoms will sting them to death. God is a God of justice as well as mercy, and He has expressly declared that He will "by no means clear the guilty" (Exodus 34:7). Yes, He has said, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 9:17).

As well might men reason thus: I do not believe that if filth is allowed to accumulate and sewage become stagnant and people deprive themselves of fresh air - that a merciful God will let them fall a prey to a deadly fever. The fact is that those who neglect the laws of health are carried away by disease, notwithstanding God's mercy. Equally true is it that those who neglect the laws of spiritual health, shall forever suffer the second death.

Unspeakably solemn is it to see so many abusing this divine perfection. They continue to despise God's authority, trample upon His laws, continue in sin - and yet presume upon His mercy! But God will not be unjust to Himself. (Luke 13:3). To continue in sin and yet reckon upon divine mercy remitting punishment, is diabolical. It is saying, "Let us do evil, that good may come," and of all such it is written that their "damnation is just" (Revelation 3:8). Presumption shall most certainly be disappointed; read carefully Deuteronomy 29:18-20. Christ is the spiritual Mercy seat, and all who despise and reject His Lordship shall "be destroyed in their way, for His wrath can flare up in a moment." (Psalm 2:12).

But for our final thought be of God's spiritual mercies unto His children. "Your mercy is great unto the heavens" (Psalm 57:10). The riches of God's mercy transcend our loftiest thought. "For as the Heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him" (Psalm 103:11). None can measure it. The elect are designated "vessels of mercy" (Romans 9:23). It is mercy which quickened them when they were dead in sins (Ephesians 2:4-5). It is mercy which saves them (Titus 3:5). It is His abundant mercy which begat them unto an eternal inheritance. (1 Peter 1:3). Time would fail us to tell of His preserving, sustaining, pardoning, supplying mercy. Unto His own, God is "the Father of mercies." (2 Corinthians 1:3).

"When all Your mercies, O my God,

My rising soul surveys,

Transported with the view I'm Lost,

In wonder, love, and praise."

~A. W. Pink~

(The End)