Proverbs
16: 6: By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
The
subject here is the putting away or expiation of evil. The language used in
this text makes reference to the bloody Old Testament sacrifices that were
required to atone for sin, but with an eye, as are all OT rituals, to future
fulfillment in Christ, the Lamb of God who would be slain for the sins of the
world. Mercy is the basis for the pardoning of sin, and truth is the guarantee
of sin’s continual subjection. Mercy forgives and wipes the slate clean and
truth ensures we remain free from entanglement or bondage to sin. Mercy is
pardon from God to man while truth speaks to the obedience expected of man to
God. But these two graces work together. Truth without mercy will honor God but
destroy offenders. Mercy without truth will protect transgressors but dishonor
God with unholy living. Thus, mercy without truth will lead to
presumptuousness, and truth without mercy will lead to despair.
Thankfully
both mercy and truth are found in Christ (Jn. 1:14-17). He shed his blood to
atone for our sin and to secure mercy for our transgressions. And he offers us his
truth as the way to a life of holiness that pleases God and one which will keep
us at arm’s length from the grasp of evil. This is why God has appointed him
the Mediator between God and men.
In
conclusion, I will posit the idea that if mercy and truth will bring
individuals forgiveness and empower us to live a life of righteousness, then it
will do the same for society, for governments and for the nations of our world.
We struggle daily against evil and crime and try all sorts of methods to purge
iniquity from our lives and from our world but to no avail. Morals continue to
break down and crime continues to escalate. Maybe it is time to try mercy and
truth. This balm is found in Jesus Christ, and it is free of cost.
No comments:
Post a Comment