Topical Encyclopedia The concept of God's mercy is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His compassionate and forgiving nature towards humanity. The everlasting nature of God's mercy is a profound aspect of His character, emphasizing His unchanging and eternal love for His creation.Old Testament Foundations The Hebrew word often translated as "mercy" is "chesed," which encompasses kindness, lovingkindness, and steadfast love. This term is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe God's covenantal faithfulness and His enduring compassion towards Israel. In Psalm 136, the refrain "His loving devotion endures forever" is repeated in every verse, underscoring the perpetual nature of God's mercy. This psalm celebrates God's acts of creation, deliverance, and provision, attributing them to His everlasting mercy. In Lamentations 3:22-23, the prophet Jeremiah reflects on God's mercy amidst suffering: "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness" . Here, God's mercy is portrayed as a daily renewal, a constant source of hope and sustenance for His people. New Testament Revelation The New Testament continues to affirm the everlasting mercy of God, now revealed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. In Luke 1:50, Mary, the mother of Jesus, declares, "His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation" . This statement highlights the continuity of God's mercy across all ages, now fully manifested in the coming of the Messiah. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently speaks of God's mercy as the basis for salvation. In Ephesians 2:4-5, he writes, "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved" . Here, God's mercy is linked to His grace, underscoring the unmerited favor bestowed upon believers through Christ's redemptive work. Theological Implications The everlasting mercy of God is not merely a passive attribute but an active force in the divine-human relationship. It is through His mercy that God initiates and sustains His covenant with humanity. This mercy is not contingent upon human merit but is rooted in God's own nature and promises. In Romans 9:15-16, Paul quotes God's words to Moses: "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion" . This passage emphasizes God's sovereign freedom in dispensing mercy, highlighting that it is not earned by human effort but given according to His divine will. Practical Application For believers, the everlasting mercy of God is a source of comfort and assurance. It invites a response of gratitude, worship, and a call to emulate God's mercy in relationships with others. Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7), encourages believers to reflect God's mercy in their own lives. The recognition of God's enduring mercy also fosters a spirit of repentance and humility, acknowledging human frailty and the need for divine forgiveness. As the Apostle Peter writes, "Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy" (1 Peter 2:10), reminding believers of their transformation through God's gracious intervention. In summary, the everlasting mercy of God is a testament to His unchanging love and faithfulness, offering hope and redemption to all who seek Him. It is a foundational truth that permeates the biblical narrative, inviting believers to trust in God's compassionate nature and to extend that same mercy to others. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 16:34O give thanks to the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endures for ever. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 89:28 Psalm 106:1 Psalm 107:1 Psalm 136:1-26 Library The State of Misery to which Adam's Sin Reduced Mankind, and the ... Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... The Righteousness of Christ, an Everlasting Righteousness But God, who is Rich in Mercy, According to his Unchangeable ... God's Goodness and Mercy God's Love to Fallen Man "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C. How we are to Unite Our Will with God's in the Permission of Sins. The Irish Articles of Religion. AD 1615. Wesley -- God's Love to Fallen Man Resources What is the definition of mercy? | GotQuestions.orgHow do God's mercy and justice work together in salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4)? | GotQuestions.org Mercy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mercy: After the Example of God Mercy: Beneficial to Those Who Exercise Mercy: Characteristic of Saints Mercy: Denunciations Against Those Devoid of Mercy: General Scriptures Concerning Mercy: should be Shown with Cheerfulness Mercy: should be Shown: To Animals Mercy: should be Shown: To Backsliders Mercy: should be Shown: To Our Brethren Mercy: should be Shown: To the Poor Mercy: should be Shown: To Those That are in Distress Mercy: The Israelites to the Man of Beth-El Mercy: The Prison Keeper, to Joseph Mercy: To be Engraved on the Heart Mercy: Upholds the Throne of Kings The Mercy of God is his Delight The Mercy of God is Part of his Character The Mercy of God: A Ground of Hope The Mercy of God: A Ground of Trust The Mercy of God: Epaphroditus The Mercy of God: Filling the Earth The Mercy of God: High As Heaven The Mercy of God: Manifested in Long-Suffering The Mercy of God: Manifested in Salvation The Mercy of God: Manifested in the Sending of Christ The Mercy of God: Manifested with Everlasting Kindness The Mercy of God: Manifested: To his People The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Repentant Sinners The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Returning Backsliders The Mercy of God: Manifested: To the Afflicted The Mercy of God: Manifested: To the Fatherless The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Them That Fear Him The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Whom he Will The Mercy of God: New Every Morning The Mercy of God: Over all his Works The Mercy of God: should be Magnified The Mercy of God: should be Pleaded in Prayer The Mercy of God: should be Rejoiced In The Mercy of God: should be Sought for Others The Mercy of God: should be Sought for Ourselves The Mercy of God: Typified: Mercy Seat Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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