1055 God, grace and mercy of

The qualities of God’s character by which he shows himself compassionate, accepting, and generous to sinful human beings, shielding them from his wrath, forgiving them, and bestowing on them his righteousness so that they can live and grow in faith and obedience. Grace and mercy are particularly expressed through God’s covenant with his chosen people and through Jesus Christ’s atoning death on the cross.

God’s grace and mercy are made known in Jesus Christ

Jn 1:16-17

The abundance of God’s grace and mercy

Eph 2:4-8 See also 2Sa 24:14 pp 1Ch 21:13; Ps 69:13; Ps 84:11; Ps 102:13; Ro 2:4; Ro 5:17; Ro 9:23; 1Ti 1:14

God’s grace and mercy are always unearned and unmerited

Dt 7:7-8 See also Dt 9:5-6; Eze 36:22; Da 9:18; Ro 9:16; Eph 1:6; Eph 2:8-9; Eph 3:8; Tit 3:5

God’s grace and mercy are a source of blessing

Ge 21:1-2 See also Ge 33:11; 1Sa 2:21

God’s grace and mercy are expressed in the covenant relationship

Jer 31:3 Hebrew “hesed” (translated as “love”, “loving-kindness”, “unfailing love”) expresses specifically the grace and mercy that underlie the covenant relationship. See also Ex 34:6; Dt 7:9,12; Ne 9:17; Ps 6:4; Isa 55:3; La 3:22,32

Salvation comes by grace

Tit 2:11 See also Mk 10:25-27 Jesus Christ’s words to his disciples; Ro 5:15; Eph 1:5-6; Eph 2:8; 2Ti 1:9-10

This is ultimately shown in the cross of Jesus Christ Ro 3:24-25 See also Ro 5:8; Eph 1:7; Heb 2:9; 2Pe 1:10-11

God’s grace and mercy are offered to sinners

Punishment is withheld Ezr 9:13 See also 2Ki 13:22-23; Eze 20:15-17; Hos 11:8; Joel 2:13

Sin is forgiven Mic 7:18; 1Jn 1:9 See also Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13; Isa 55:7; Jer 3:12; Jer 33:8; Da 9:9

Sinners’prayers are heard Ps 51:1; Lk 18:13-14 See also Ps 6:2-3; Ps 123:3; Hab 3:2

The favour of God

Examples of those who found favour with God Ge 4:4 Abel; Ge 6:8 Noah; Ex 33:12 Moses; Jdg 6:17-18 Gideon; 1Sa 2:26 Samuel; Ezr 7:27-28 Ezra; Lk 1:30 Mary; Lk 2:52 Jesus Christ; Ac 7:46 David

Examples of those who seek the favour of God Ex 32:11 Moses; 2Ki 13:4 Jehoahaz; 2Ch 33:12 Manasseh Nehemiah: Ne 5:19; Ne 13:31
Da 9:17 Daniel

Promises relating to the favour of God Lev 26:9 It is given to the obedient (see Lev 26:3); Ps 5:12 It is given to the righteous; Ps 30:5 It lasts for a lifetime.

The OT predicts a future age of God’s favour Isa 49:8 See also Isa 60:10; Isa 61:2; Eze 36:9

Implications for believers of the grace and mercy of God

God’s grace and mercy are to influence the character and conduct of believers Ro 6:1-2 See also Ac 11:23; Ro 6:14; Ro 12:1; Tit 2:11-12

Believers must humbly rely on God’s grace and mercy Gal 2:21 See also Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6; Jnh 2:8; Ro 2:4; 2Co 6:1-2

God’s grace strengthens believers for service Eph 3:7-8 See also 1Co 3:10; 2Co 12:7-9; Gal 1:15-16; Eph 4:7,11

Illustrations of God’s grace and mercy

See also