The magnitude of the Divine mercy.
I. THE FULNESS OF THE DIVINE MERCY. In estimating the fullness of God s grace to mankind, we must include:
1. His patience toward all men, both penitent and impenitent. From the beginning of sin until the present hour God has been forbearing to inflict penalty. He has not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." The times of long-continued ignorance God overlooked, or did not interpose with special penalty or redemption (Acts 17:30).
2. His pardon offered to the penitent and believing. In the Law we read that he is "the Lord God, merciful and gracious," etc. (Exodus 34:6, Exodus 34:7); in the Psalms we read that he is "plenteous in mercy," etc. (Psalms 103:8, Psalms 103:11, Psalms 103:12); in the prophets we read that "he is merciful and will not keep anger forever" (Jeremiah 3:12; and see text and Isaiah 55:7-9; Daniel 9:9). In the gospel of Jesus Christ remission of sins is a cardinal doctrine (Matthew 26:28; Luke 24:47; Acts hi. 38; Acts 5:31; Acts 10:43; Acts 26:18).
3. The thoroughness of his forgiveness.
(a) The worst kinds of sin—blasphemy, idolatry, all forms of impurity, murder, etc.;
(b) the most criminal condition—long-continued forgetfulness, sin against multiplied privilege, persistent and obdurate rebelliousness of heart, etc.
(a) Penetrating to the most secret thoughts of the mind, to the most inward motives of the soul, to the slightest choices of the will;
(b) extending to the thoughts and things which have been overlooked and omitted, as well as to those which have been entertained and wrought.
(a) Leading to actual holiness—for pardon is the fruit of penitence and faith, and with them in the soul, the scarlet becomes as snow, the crimson as wool, the mind is radically changed, the life is thoroughly transformed
(b) including full restoration, not merely the not exacting penalty, but the actual bestowal of the Divine favor—admitting to the Father's home and table, lavishing upon the accepted child every sign and proof of parental love.
II. THE DIVINE ARGUMENT THEREFROM. God condescends to "reason" with us; he appeals to our sense of obligation, to our regard for our own interests, to our human affections, etc. The argument here is not stated, but it may be easily inferred. If such is the Divine mercy—so large and full and free, then how wise to seek it at once! because of:
1. The blessedness of being right with God henceforth.
2. The uncertainty of the future. Between our souls and its possession may be interposed
3. The immeasurable, issues which are at stake—"everlasting punishment or life eternal."—C.