The Riches of Divine Mercy!

by William Nicholson, 1862
 

"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us" Ephesians 2:4

No doctrine has been more strongly opposed, or more shamefully abused, than the doctrine of God's free and sovereign grace! There is, however, no other method of salvation for lost sinners. God is rich in mercy, and it is well for us that he is.

The Riches of Divine Mercy will appear if we consider,

1. The Rank and Character of its objects and recipients.

Fallen creatures, sinful and rebellious — vile, impure, wretched; described, verse 1-3. That such wretched, sinful worms should be the objects of his mercy, is truly astonishing! Romans 5:6-8.

2. The source of this Mercy. "God," who is rich in mercy. "God so loved," John 3:16; 1 John 4:9, 10.

Mercy is God's glorious attribute, Exodus 34:5-7. He is the inexhaustible fountain of mercy. "He delights in mercy."

The plan of salvation originated in the Divine mind. Stupendous grace! What was there in man to move God to have mercy upon him? Absolutely nothing!

3. The Ground upon which God's mercy rests, and the Medium through which it flows.

It is granted to man as the result of satisfaction given to Divine Justice. Justice was not sacrificed for the exhibition of Mercy. Jesus Christ was the end of the law — the victim of the law's curse, and the magnifier of the law. This was effected by his unparalleled suffering, and ignominious death. Colossians 1:20-22; Romans 3:20-26.

It is therefore rich mercy, exactly adapted to supply all the needs of the sinner.

4. The Provisions of God's mercy.

Light for the ignorant,
life for the dead,
full pardon for the guilty,
adoption for the outcast,
righteousness for the vile,
all spiritual blessings!

Mercy begins spiritual life in the poor sinner's soul. Mercy will carry it on, and consummate it, amid shoutings of "Grace, grace unto it!"

"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy!" Psalm 115:1

5. The mode of its bestowal. Gratuitously; without money and price.

The conditions are simple — repentance and faith. It is preached to all — all without distinction — all ranks and degrees of men — to men whether rich or poor, etc. It is sent to all nations — barbarians, etc. to men of every grade of intellect!

It is rich in abundance. Isaiah 55:1,2.

6. The final and everlasting results of Divine Mercy will prove its richness.

At the resurrection,
at the day of judgment,
in Heaven,
throughout eternity!

"Your mercy, O God, is from everlasting to everlasting."

Look up to Heaven and see. How rich there! Mercy has placed those crowns of gold on the heads of those who were heirs of wrath. Mercy has given them the palm of victory.

7. Finally. Be thankful for such rich mercy. Be humble — you have not merited it. Be enriched — why continue wretched and poor any longer, when Heaven itself comes down to dispel your poverty and wretchedness?