The Mercy Of God

by Pastor Mark
November 13, 2025

 

Another marvellous blessing

As we appreciate our salvation more deeply this Christmas, there are many aspects to consider. These include the blessings of God’s kindness and love. Another significant blessing we would like to ponder over is His mercy. When the Lord Jesus appeared in the world as a baby, He also manifested the mercy of God. The Apostle Paul was very conscious of how God was revealing Himself by sending His Son to this earth. In fulfilling His plan of salvation, the Lord Jesus revealed God’s mercy in the most beautiful way.

Works of righteousness

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done,” (Titus 3:5)

  1. Many had a wrong understanding of gaining salvation in their lives.
  2. They thought that salvation was obtained through their works.
  3. If they were good enough, they would be able to merit salvation.
  4. Many believed that their good works would offset their sinful actions.
  5. Paul also practised such works of righteousness as a Jew.
  6. To the Philippian church, he testified that he had confidence in the flesh previously…“Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” (Philippians 3:5–6)
  7. But to Titus, Paul was refuting such erroneous beliefs.
  8. He declared clearly that salvation did not come by such works of righteousness.
  9. They would never merit salvation.

 The abundant mercy of God

“But according to His mercy He saved us,” (Titus 3:5)

  1. Paul used a strong word of contrast…“But”.
  2. Salvation is according to the mercy of God and not works.
  3. “Mercy” involves “compassion”…one aspect of showing compassion is by withholding punishment.
  4. Simply, we are deserving of death for our sins, but God in His mercy does not judge us.
  5. Mercy is an attribute of God that was wonderfully described by David…“For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, and Your truth unto the clouds.” (Psalm 57:10)
  6. His mercy is so abundant that it reaches to the heavens.
  7. God extends this abundance of mercy to us even though we do not deserve it.

 According to His mercy

  1. God’s salvation is only possible according to His mercy.
  2. This is the only way in which we are saved…by His mercy and not by our merit.
  3. Paul recounted some of his past sins (Titus 3:3).
  4. There was no way in which he could account for all his sins.
  5. God, as his Saviour, extended His mercy to him…to forgive, cleanse, not judge or condemn, but to save.

Appreciating the mercy of God

The Lord Jesus was born to bring salvation to the world. God’s mercy was manifested in His advent, life and ministry…to give us eternal life. We could not work for our salvation. Only Christ could work and provide us with our salvation. Let us truly appreciate the amazing and abundant mercy of God as we celebrate the glorious birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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