Topical Bible: The Earth: Full of God's Mercy

◄ The Earth: Full of God's Mercy ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the Earth being full of God's mercy is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting the divine benevolence and grace that permeate creation. This idea is rooted in the understanding that God's mercy is not only a heavenly attribute but also a tangible reality experienced within the natural world.

Scriptural Foundations

The psalmist declares, "The earth is full of the loving devotion of the LORD; teach me Your statutes" (Psalm 119:64). This verse encapsulates the belief that God's mercy is evident throughout the Earth, inviting believers to recognize His statutes and live according to His will. The Earth, in its beauty and provision, serves as a testament to God's enduring love and compassion.

In Psalm 33:5, it is written, "He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the loving devotion of the LORD" . Here, the psalmist links God's mercy with His love for righteousness and justice, suggesting that the moral order of the world is a reflection of His merciful nature. The Earth, therefore, is not only a physical realm but also a moral one, where God's mercy is manifest in the pursuit of justice and righteousness.

Creation as an Expression of Mercy

The creation narrative in Genesis underscores the idea that the Earth is a product of God's merciful intent. In Genesis 1, God repeatedly observes that His creation is "good," culminating in the declaration that it is "very good" (Genesis 1:31). This goodness is an expression of God's mercy, as He provides a world that sustains life and reflects His glory.

The provision of resources, the beauty of nature, and the intricate balance of ecosystems all point to a Creator who is merciful and generous. The Earth, in its abundance, is a gift from God, designed to meet the needs of His creatures and to display His lovingkindness.

Human Responsibility and Divine Mercy

While the Earth is full of God's mercy, humanity is called to steward this gift responsibly. The dominion mandate in Genesis 1:28 charges humans to "fill the earth and subdue it" and to "rule over" the creatures . This responsibility is not a license for exploitation but a call to reflect God's mercy in the care and management of the Earth.

The prophets often remind Israel of their duty to uphold justice and mercy, reflecting God's character in their treatment of the land and each other. In Micah 6:8, the prophet states, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" . This call to mercy extends to how humans interact with the Earth, ensuring that God's creation is treated with respect and care.

The Earth in Eschatological Hope

The fullness of God's mercy on Earth also points to the eschatological hope of a renewed creation. In Romans 8:21, Paul speaks of the creation being "set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God" . This future renewal is a testament to God's mercy, as He promises to restore the Earth to its intended glory.

Revelation 21:1-4 describes a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell with His people, and "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes" . This vision of a renewed Earth is the ultimate expression of God's mercy, where creation is fully restored, and His presence is fully realized among His people.

Conclusion

The Earth, as depicted in the Bible, is a profound testament to God's mercy. From the beauty and provision of creation to the moral order established by His statutes, the Earth reflects the loving devotion of the Lord. Believers are called to recognize this mercy, steward the Earth responsibly, and look forward to the ultimate renewal of creation in God's eschatological plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:64
The earth, O LORD, is full of your mercy: teach me your statutes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Stranger in the Earth
... Take first that thought of the rejoicing earth, full of God's mercy as some cup
is full of rich wine, or as the flowers in the morning are filled with dew. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a stranger in the earth.htm

Sky, Earth, and Sea: a Parable of God
... mighty deep of God's judgment, when we can see plainly that, after all, the earth
is full of His mercy, and that 'the eyes of all things wait on God, and He ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/sky earth and sea a.htm

God's Ways and Man's
... We lie beneath the heavens like some foul bog full of black ooze, rotten earth and
putrid ... all-vivifying mercy of that shining heaven of God's pardon; and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/gods ways and mans.htm

Of the Love of Conformity Proceeding from Sacred Complacency.
... amongst men and angels in heaven and on earth, and how ... death, afflictions, anguish,
labours, whereof our life is full, and which by God's just ordinance ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter i of the love.htm

Hope for the Heathen
... he was not discouraged, for ringing in his ears was the triumphal chorus of the
angels surrounding the throne of God, "The whole earth is full of His ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 31 hope for the.htm

God's Dealings with the Earth During the Tribulation Period.
... be espoused and when the righteous Judge shall exact full satisfaction for ... "And the
kings of the earth, and the ... To see God's face is the deepest longing of His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 gods dealings with the.htm

Psalm XXXVI.
... The earth is full of the Mercy of the Lord." [820] Of what Mercy then speaketh He,
when He saith, "Thy Mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens"? The gifts of God are ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxvi.htm

Because of Its Bearing Upon the Gentiles.
... be filled until the Millennium, then and not till then, will God's Spirit be ... to the
Gentiles, for then it will be that "The earth shall be full of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/2 because of its bearing.htm

'The Bridal of the Earth and Sky'
... have sprung into being at their coming upon earth;"these four ... as of the Only Begotten
of the Father, full of grace ... the first aspect of the union of God and man ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the bridal of the earth.htm

First, for Thy Thoughts.
... if thou wert demanded, What is the vilest creature upon earth? ... food convenient for
me: lest I be too full and deny ... steal, and take the name of my God in vain.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/first for thy thoughts.htm