Which New Testament teachings align with Psalm 86:5's message of God's mercy? Psalm 86:5 at a Glance “For You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in loving devotion to all who call upon You.” Key truths in the verse • God’s goodness • His readiness to forgive • Overflowing covenant love • Mercy offered to everyone who calls on Him New Testament Echoes of God’s Mercy • Luke 1:50 – “His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.” • Ephesians 2:4-5 – “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…” • Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy…” • 1 Peter 1:3 – “In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” • Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” • Romans 10:12-13 – “The same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” Jesus: The Embodiment of Divine Mercy • Matthew 9:13 – Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” affirming God’s merciful priority. • Luke 15:11-24 – The father running to the prodigal son vividly pictures the “good and forgiving” nature of God. • John 3:16-17 – The gift of the Son is the ultimate display of love that withholds judgment from those who believe. The Apostolic Witness to Forgiveness • Acts 13:38-39 – Through Jesus “forgiveness of sins is proclaimed,” fulfilling Psalm 86:5’s promise of pardon. • 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Abounding Love on Display • Romans 8:38-39 – Nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ. • Ephesians 3:17-19 – Paul prays that the saints grasp the width and length and height and depth of Christ’s love—language that mirrors “abounding in loving devotion.” Mercy Available to All Who Call • Acts 2:21 – Peter cites Joel: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” • Romans 10:12-13 (repeated for emphasis) – Jew and Gentile alike share equal access to this mercy. Living in the Light of Mercy • Extend forgiveness just as God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). • Show compassion to the needy and the lost, reflecting the Father’s heart (James 2:13). • Approach God confidently, knowing His character has not changed; He remains “good and forgiving, abounding in loving devotion.” |
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