I was reading Watson's "Body of Divinity" this morning and the topic was "The Mercy of God". This post is nothing more than a list of some of his thoughts that stood out to me and my small notes on them. Here is Watson:
"It is the great design of the Scripture to represent God as merciful..." Then we should labor to see Him as such in Scripture and feast at this table. We should not take our eyes from His Word until we have seen this jewel of His crown.
"The bee naturally gives honey, it stings only when it is provoked..." Therefore we must see God as merciful before vengeant. He is not willing that any should perish and 'does not willingly afflict'. Let us see Him as compassionate before angry and dwell upon His merciful gaze toward us, His children.
Even "such as fight against God's mercy taste of it..." What an amazing thought! That those who would defame our Lord taste taste of His mercy. That though many smite Him, He suffers for them. He caused the sun to shine this morning! He gave one more breathe to millions, yes, even billions who would never deserve it. "Pharaoh's head was crowned though his heart was hardened." Therefore, we should proclaim such an excellency to all who taste of mercy while they deserve great judgment.
"God's mercy is free. To set up merit is to destroy mercy. Nothing can deserve mercy, b/c we are polluted in our blood; nor force it. We may force God to punish us, but not to love us. 'I will love them freely.' Hos xiv 4. Every link in the chain of salvation is wrought and interwoven with free grace. Election is free. 'He hath chosen us in Him, according to the good pleasure of His will.' Eph i 4. Justification is free. 'Being justified freely by His grace.' Rom iii 24. Salvation is free. 'According to His mercy He saved us.' Titus iii 5. Say not then, I am unworthy; for mercy is free. If God should show mercy to such only as are worthy, He would show none at all." It goes against the very nature of mercy to have it labored for. It is not grabbed but given. There is no map to mercy - it is nowhere to be found! No! Mercy finds us! The man who says, "Aha! I will do this and get mercy." is worthy of no mercy.
And I will end with this statement that throws an ax to the root of those who think that God's sovereign choice eliminates human responsibility - they say, "if God is sovereign and chooses accordingly, then I should just sit at home and do nothing until heaven..." Thomas says, "To sin b/c mercy abounds is the devil's logic..." I don't think anymore can be said.
I would recommend all to read this wonderful book. Read it before you watch ANYTHING! Its harder to find God in Hollywood than it is in this book. By so reading we will all store up for ourselves treasures in Heaven. Grace to you all and peace.
Comments