Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 1000 God » 1010 God, nature and qualities of » 1015 God » 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 The abundance of God's grace and mercy Ephesians 2:4-8 See also 2 Samuel 24:14 pp 1 Chronicles 21:13; Psalm 69:13; Psalm 84:11; Psalm 102:13; Romans 2:4; Romans 5:17; Romans 9:23; 1 Timothy 1:14 God's grace and mercy are always unearned and unmerited Deuteronomy 7:7-8 See also Deuteronomy 9:5-6; Ezekiel 36:22; Daniel 9:18; Romans 9:16; Ephesians 1:6; Ephesians 2:8-9; Ephesians 3:8; Titus 3:5 God's grace and mercy are a source of blessing Genesis 21:1-2 See also Genesis 33:11; 1 Samuel 2:21 God's grace and mercy are expressed in the covenant relationship Jeremiah 31:3 Hebrew “hesed” (translated as “love”, “loving-kindness”, “unfailing love”) expresses specifically the grace and mercy that underlie the covenant relationship. See also Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 7:9,12; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 6:4; Isaiah 55:3; Lamentations 3:22,32 Salvation comes by grace Titus 2:11 See also Mark 10:25-27 Jesus Christ's words to his disciples; Romans 5:15; Ephesians 1:5-6; Ephesians 2:8; 2 Timothy 1:9-10 This is ultimately shown in the cross of Jesus Christ Romans 3:24-25 See also Romans 5:8; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9; 2 Peter 1:10-11 God's grace and mercy are offered to sinners Punishment is withheld Ezra 9:13 See also 2 Kings 13:22-23; Ezekiel 20:15-17; Hosea 11:8; Joel 2:13 Sin is forgiven Micah 7:18; 1 John 1:9 See also Psalm 32:5; Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7; Jeremiah 3:12; Jeremiah 33:8; Daniel 9:9 Sinners' prayers are heard Psalm 51:1; Luke 18:13-14 See also Psalm 6:2-3; Psalm 123:3; Habakkuk 3:2 The favour of God Examples of those who found favour with God Genesis 4:4 Abel; Genesis 6:8 Noah; Exodus 33:12 Moses; Judges 6:17-18 Gideon; 1 Samuel 2:26 Samuel; Ezra 7:27-28 Ezra; Luke 1:30 Mary; Luke 2:52 Jesus Christ; Acts 7:46 David Examples of those who seek the favour of God Exodus 32:11 Moses; 2 Kings 13:4 Jehoahaz; 2 Chronicles 33:12 Manasseh Nehemiah: Nehemiah 5:19; Nehemiah 13:31 Daniel 9:17 Daniel Promises relating to the favour of God Leviticus 26:9 It is given to the obedient (see Lev 26:3); Psalm 5:12 It is given to the righteous; Psalm 30:5 It lasts for a lifetime. The OT predicts a future age of God's favour Isaiah 49:8 See also Isaiah 60:10; Isaiah 61:2; Ezekiel 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 Romans 6:1-2 See also Acts 11:23; Romans 6:14; Romans 12:1; Titus 2:11-12 Believers must humbly rely on God's grace and mercy Galatians 2:21 See also Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6; Jonah 2:8; Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 God's grace strengthens believers for service Ephesians 3:7-8 See also 1 Corinthians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 12:7-9; Galatians 1:15-16; Ephesians 4:7,11 Illustrations of God's grace and mercy God shows grace to Noah, saving him from the flood and afterwards establishing a covenant with him: Genesis 6:8,22; Genesis 9:9-11 God shows mercy in saving first Jonah and then (following their repentance) the people of Nineveh; Jonah 1:1-3,17; Jonah 2:1-3; Jonah 3:1-10; Luke 15:11-32 The forgiving love of the prodigal's father illustrates the divine mercy of God. See also
1030 God, compassion |
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