Dictionary of Bible Themes: 1055 God, grace and mercy of

1055 God, grace and mercy of

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

John 1:16-17

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

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.