A Debtor to Mercy Alone

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

I’m not a Greek scholar, so I don’t know for sure, but I can’t help but think this has a past, present, and future perspective to it. Kind of like this:

  • Happy are the merciful, for they have already received mercy
  • Blessed are the merciful, for they are receiving mercy, and are showing mercy to others
  • Blessed are the merciful, for they will continue to receive mercy

We received mercy in the form of forgiveness of our sins. Because of our sins, we deserved judgement, but God, a just God, through His grace and the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, extended mercy and forgave our sins. It is that mercy which allows us to be merciful, exhibiting the love of Christ to the world. And as we are merciful we will receive mercy.

Kind of like this hymn written by Augustus Toplady, A Debtor to Mercy Alone.

A debtor to mercy alone,
of covenant mercy I sing.
I come with your righteousness on
my humble off’ring to bring.
The judgements of your holy law
with me can have nothing to do.
My Savior’s obedience and blood
hide all my transgressions from view.

The work which your goodness began,
the arm of your strength will complete.
Your promise is yes and amen,
and never was forfeited yet.
The future or things that are now,
no power below or above,
can make you your purpose forego,
or sever my soul from your love.

My name from the palms of your hands,
eternity will not erase.
Impressed on your heart it remains
in marks of indelible grace.
Yes I, to the end, will endure,
until I bow down at your throne.
Forever and always secure,
a debtor to mercy, alone.

Listen here.

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