Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. (Psalms 85:10)
This verse presents us with a paradox that is often missed.
Mercy is not getting what is deserved.
Grace is is the avenue that leads us to all of the good things that God has planned for our lives.
So where is the paradox? Think about a criminal sitting before a judge. The evidence is clear and there is not a shadow of doubt this criminal is guilty and the crime deserves jail time. If the judge were to declare him not guilty in the face of the evidence, he would be extending his grace to the criminal.
In Psalms 85:10 we are presented with a paradox in the fact that mercy and truth are total opposites. If God only judged us by what we have done and gave us what we deserved, there would not be a single one of us who would receive mercy.
Historical our society has always had a standard of right and wrong. Sadly this no longer seems to be the case. We have “evolved” to the point where the majority acts as if they are free to choose where the lines will be drawn in their lives.
We used to have the reinforcement of society to show the difference between right and wrong before God was kicked out. Today we cannot leave the house or turn on the television without being confronted by sin.
People flaunt their sins. Celebrities live lascivious lifestyles and speak openly against Christians. There are even some places in the United States that have tried to classify certain portions of the Bible as hate speach.
None of us are in position to judge. Paul tells us that we have all sinned at one point or another and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
Intuitively every person has a knowledge of right and wrong that they were born with. People suppress this and try to deny God but deep down in their spirit they know the truth.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (Romans 1:18-21)
Paul tells us that the “invisible things” in creation reveal God. There are people who will argue against this. The truth though is that we were all born with an intuitive sense of right and wrong. God put that in our spirit and none of us will ever have an excuse to stand on for living an ungodly lifestyle.
God reveals Himself to mankind through His creation. Paul tells us that it is His goodness that draws men to salvation.
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4)
It is the goodness of God that leads men and woman to repentance. If you have not accepted Him then I encourage you to accept His free gift by asking Jesus into your heart today.
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