The first marvel of mercy is that God would forgive at all. Man sinned in the beginning because the devil came in the form of a serpent and deceived Adam and Eve right after God expressly told them not to eat of the tree (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:4-5). Why should we expect a God who is willing to forgive? He could have dealt with us according to justice (Psalm 103:10-13). Everyone who sins deserves to die (Isaiah 53:8; Romans 6:23; 7:9-11). The Law and perfect justice required the death of anyone who broke the Law, but God was gracious to us. The Lord showed us mercy and will show mercy to anyone who is willing to follow His commandments (Exodus 20:5-6). God is love, and love compels God to want to forgive the man and bring him back into His fellowship (1 John 4:8; John 3:16; James 4:5).
The second marvel of mercy is that God would forgive everything. Everyone today and from now on will be forgiven if they accept this invitation. Not only is God willing to forgive, but He is willing to wipe the slate clean. Hebrews 8:12 says, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” This is our chance to live pure and undefiled in the sight of God again. Peter stressed that God was not slow in bringing the world to an end, but that He wanted everyone to repent (2 Peter 3:9). He does not want to see anyone perish in their sins. He has repeatedly invited us to obey, but the man refuses God’s call (Proverbs 1:24; Zechariah 7:9-11; Romans 10:21). Therefore, He is willing to forgive everything to all who will trust and obey. Ezekiel 33:11 says, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” The Lord does not want to see you perish because of unbelief.
Kyle Campbell
