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I. MERCY IS THE GROUND ON WHICH WE ARE TO LOOK FOR ETERNAL LIFE, Mercy, as attributed to God and Christ, is to be taken either —

1. For that attribute whereby He is inclined to pity and help the miserable; His loving-kindness, grace, compassion, freely working to such as are in misery. Or —

2. For the effects and fruits of this; His help afforded; suitable blessings actually granted. In this latter sense it is to be taken here (2 Timothy 1:18).

II. HOW IT IS THE MERCY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

1. He is the purchaser of it (1 John 5:11, 12).

2. In point of preparation (John 14:2).

3. In respect of actual donation (Matthew 25:34).

III. HOW WELL IT DESERVES TO BE THUS EMPHATICALLY EXPRESSED, "THE MERCY."

1. As it is that mercy which saints were chosen to, and which God always had them in His eye and heart to bring them to the possession of.

2. As it is most free. This is the pure fountain from which it springs, "the gift of God."

3. As purchased with the most invaluable price. Not only the prayers and tears, but the precious blood of the Son of God.

4. "The mercy" promised as the crown and end of all others. "This is the promise that He hath promised us, eternal life" (1 John 2:25), the grand comprehensive promise, into which all the foregoing mercies run as streams into the ocean.

5. "The mercy," as inconceivably great and full, unmixed and complete; to be measured only by the infinite perfections of that God who is to be enjoyed, and the vast capacities of the immortal soul to be filled up.

6. "The mercy," as most seasonable, and therein most sweet, upon account of foregoing misery.

7. "The mercy," as most suitable.

8. "The mercy," as reserved, and therein most sure.

9. "The mercy," as peculiar and distinguishing: the inheritance of a few (Luke 12:32).

10. "The mercy," as always to endure. Eternal life. It is life for its excellency, and eternal for its duration; a life free from all evil, and in the full possession of all good, of all that is desirable, all that is delightful.

IV. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN LOOKING FOR IT?

1. That our minds and thoughts are much taken up about it.

2. It is keeping faith in exercise with reference to it.

3. It is a setting our hearts upon it, and entertaining earnest desires after it.

4. It is a patient waiting till you are called hence to enter into that eternal life the mercy of Christ will assuredly bestow (Hebrews 6:12).

5. Serious diligence in preparing for it, and watchfulness that we do not come short, or be found unready.Application.

1. Is it mercy that bestows eternal life, how unreasonable is the sin of despair?

2. Is it the mercy of Christ, how destructive their folly who seek it anywhere else?

(D. Wilcox.)

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KJV: But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

WEB: But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.