Mercy and Grace

MERCY

Lamentations 3:21,22 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

I grew up in a fundamentalist church hearing the terms mercy and grace and to me it seemed they were used interchangeably. It was not until I was way older than I'd like to admit that I really realized the difference.

Mercy should be understood to mean "to not receive what is due." That is extremely comforting in light of the above mentioned verses and:

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; and

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 136

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth forever.
To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth forever: The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth forever. To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth forever.
To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

The Psalmist got the point and wanted us to as well. God is Sovereign and can show mercy to whomever He pleases. How can we not be grateful when we realize what we deserve and yet don't get it based solely on his mercy?

GRACE

But He doesn't stop with showing us mercy. He adds grace which is defined as getting more than we deserve.

1. Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin!

2. Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
threaten the soul with infinite loss;
grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
(Refrain)

3. Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
brighter than snow you may be today.
(Refrain)

4. Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see his face,
will you this moment his grace receive?
(Refrain)

Text: Julia H. Johnston Music:

Daniel B. Towner Tune:

MOODY,

Meter: 99.99 with Refrain

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

John Newton (1725-1807)

John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Ro 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Was it not explained to me as a child (and on into adulthood) or was I just slow to comprehend? I don't know the answer to that. But now that I do understand, when I meditate on these things it takes my worship to a higher level. And all I can say is GOD IS SO GOOD!