The Sovereign Mercy of God in Salvation

Charles Spurgeon, et al.

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Titus 3:5, "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy."

What a thunderbolt of truth strikes the heart from this glorious verse! In a world intoxicated with self-worth and self-promotion, God's Word cuts through the fog with divine clarity: "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy." Salvation is not a wage paid for moral effort--it is a free and sovereign act of divine pity.

The apostle Paul, writing to Titus, draws a sharp line between human righteousness and divine mercy. The contrast is absolute. We were not saved because of our works--not even the best of them. Our supposed righteousness, is but filthy rags in the sight of a thrice-holy God (Isaiah 64:6). Indeed, we were by nature dead in sin, enemies of God, incapable of any spiritual good (Romans 3:10-12; Ephesians 2:1-3). If salvation depended on anything in us, none would be saved. But praise be to God, salvation depends entirely on Him who is rich in mercy!

Mercy is God's holy compassion flowing from His sovereign will--not His obligation. He is not moved by anything in the sinner, but only by what is in Himself--His love, His goodness, His eternal purpose. It was "because of His mercy" that He stooped down to rescue a lost and ruined people. Mercy sought us, mercy bought us, and mercy keeps us. Not our tears, not our prayers, not our repentance, not even our faith--none of these originate salvation. All are the fruit of God's mercy, not the root.

This humbles the pride of man. It shuts every boasting mouth. It leaves us no ground to glory in ourselves. The only song we can sing is, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us--but to Your name be the glory, because of Your love and faithfulness!" (Psalm 115:1). And what peace this brings to the trembling believer! If salvation depended on our righteousness, then we would be forever uncertain. But since it rests upon God's mercy revealed in the finished work of Christ, then we may have full assurance.

Dear believer, cling to this truth: He saved you not because of you, but in spite of you. He saved you for the praise of the glory of His grace. Let this move your heart to deeper gratitude, fuller surrender, and stronger confidence. Live today not to earn His favor, but as one who has received mercy--freely, undeservedly, and irrevocably.

"Who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace." 2 Timothy 1:9

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