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Today's Little Lift
by Jim Bullington
Just how big a part do mercy and grace play in our salvation? In as much as Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment one would think that these godly twins play a substantial role. Today’s message will highlight two passages which focus on this very question.
Paul writes: “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” (1 Timothy 1.12-16; emphasis mine, jb).
Paul obtained mercy; it came from somewhere outside himself. Mercy is not self-pity nor is it self-created. Mercy in the sense that Paul speaks of it is a real and valuable gift that comes only from God. In fact, the very verbs that describe his obtaining it are passive (which means the actions taken was from elsewhere and not of Paul’s own doing). Notice how he couples grace with mercy and how he speaks of grace as being exceedingly abundant. Literally, grace was overflowing. Though Paul listed all the horrid things in which he had participated, grace was much, much bigger!
The Hebrews writer stated, “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4.14-16; emphasis mine, jb).
The throne of grace is marvelous and picturesque reality. Of course a throne is where a king or queen sits, but never was there a throne like this one. This throne was specifically established to be the place from which grace is dispensed. Moreover, the grace herein obtainable is not the common and mundane grace that men might offer; it is the unequalled and one-of-a-kind grace that can only originate from the beneficent heart of God Himself! However, grace is not the only thing dispensed from the throne of grace, so is mercy. As we have noted before, mercy is the forbearance of an authority regarding deserved punishment on one or more of his subjects. Guilt is a foregone conclusion in this case. There is no argument in that regards. Mercy is all that can suffice and suffice it does. Mercy, like her twin sister, Grace, is a creature of unexcelled beauty that can only be glimpsed at this auspicious location! Try as we might, there is just no other place at which these two reveal themselves as they do here at God’s very throne!
The splendor of the foregoing scene and the magnificence of its grandeur is thrilling to all who have a spiritual speck in their body! However, we omitted comment about one additional blessing that is equal to all the above; we close with this thought. The Hebrews writer identified this wonderful place and he also said it is a place to which we may “come boldly.” I don’t even deserve to be heard of the King, but He grants not only to hear, but beckons me to openly and boldly enter His courtroom! Mercy personified!
Questions:
1. From whence did Paul obtain mercy and grace? How much grace was there? Was it in short supply?
2. In what things did Paul say that he had become a pattern? How does his story of redemption relate to our story? If he could obtain mercy knowing the zeal with which he had opposed Christ, is there reason for others of “lesser crimes” to hope?
3. Discuss the figure throne of grace; meditate on it; rejoice in it!
4. What is implied by the fact that we as believers can approach this throne boldly?
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