Hence, we might understand the current era as a time for mercy, with the future designated for judgment. Why does mercy come before judgment? Reflect on the nature of God; He enables the sun to shine on both the righteous and the unrighteous, and He sends rain upon both just and unjust alike. This demonstrates mercy. When we observe that both the just and unjust benefit equally from the sun’s light, the rain’s nourishment, and the earth’s fruits, we must not conclude that God is unjust for treating both equally. This is a time of mercy rather than judgment. If God had not first shown mercy and forgiveness, He would not have anyone worthy to crown with His judgment. Thus, it is indeed a time of mercy, one where God’s patience beckons sinners to repentance.
The Apostle Paul illustrates the distinct seasons of life, warning those who judge others while committing the same sins: "Thinkest thou, O man, that condemnest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?" As if anticipating an objection regarding unpunished sin, he reveals the current age of mercy: "despisest thou the riches of His goodness, and forbearance, and longsuffering?" (Romans 2:4) This being a moment of grace, Paul cautions against assuming it will last indefinitely. He then transitions to a reminder about the impending judgment: "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God" (Romans 2:5-6). There exists both mercy and judgment. The judgment of God is to be feared by the wicked due to impending punishment, while it should be cherished by the righteous as a promise of reward. In this testament, Paul stirs concern among the wicked while simultaneously offering hope to the good. He testifies to grace experienced in his own life, acknowledging that before his transformation, he was a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent aggressor, yet he has been forgiven. If Paul received forgiveness, surely no one should despair. He emphasizes his role as an example of Christ’s enduring patience for those who believe in Him unto eternal life.
Does Paul stand alone in deserving grace? Just as he incites fear through his warnings, he uplifts with his assurance, proclaiming: "The Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day a crown of righteousness" (2 Timothy 4:8), extending this promise to all who long for His appearing and reign. Therefore, beloved brethren, we are in a time of grace; let us refrain from the complacency of presuming, "God's mercy is perpetual."
"I will sing of mercy and judgment" (Psalm 100:2). To sing worthily, one must have a blameless heart, engaging joyfully before God. What does it mean to walk blamelessly? Consider the line "I walked in innocence in the midst of my house." This innocent path commences and concludes with purity. Rather than seek lengthy discourse, strive for innocence to attain righteousness. Yet, who is innocent? The innocent individual does no harm to others or to oneself. Some claim innocence by asserting they neither exploit nor harm their neighbors; they intend to enjoy their earned resources without concern for others. Yet, if one harms their own spiritual wellbeing, how can they expect to be merciful and considerate to others? Can one exhibit kindness to others while showing cruelty to their own soul? Thus, righteousness condenses into the concept of innocence; "He who loves iniquity hates his own soul." By loving wickedness, one often believes they harm others, but they ultimately destroy themselves first.
Innocence encompasses walking in the heart's humility amidst one's dwelling. The heart must be free of pride, for the proud cannot reside within the heart of the righteous. The truly upright heart mirrors God's desires; contrary desires reveal a heart in opposition to Him. If misfortune strikes them, they query, "God, what have I done?" In essence, they perceive themselves as just while considering God unjust. The path to rectitude begins with self-reflection. To know true justice, one must acknowledge their own shortcomings and seek alignment with God's righteousness.
The Scriptures indicate, "When the wicked departed from me, I did not recognize him" (Psalm 100:4). This signifies a lack of identification with those who stray from divine ways. The Lord knows all but speaks of some, saying, "I never knew you; depart from Me, ye workers of iniquity" (Matthew 7:23). Here, it isn't a lack of knowledge but rather a disapproval of those who align not with His righteousness. The statement reflects not unawareness but a refusal to endorse those whose actions misalign with divine principles.
"Whoever secretly slandered his neighbor, him I persecuted" (Psalm 100:5). This underscores the righteousness of disapproving sin rather than judgment of the individual. Referring to the proud, "With a proud eye and an insatiable heart, I did not feed," indicates a refusal to partake in the company of the arrogant. Yet the Lord Jesus dined with the proud, showing compassion rather than judgment for their state. The critical distinction lies in the humility of those who sought His healing.
He continued instructing us that while one might not share a meal with the wicked for their reformation, we are encouraged to reach out to them as brothers, as two hearts can dwell united as servants of Christ. One can recognize feasts of the prideful, yet the righteously meek partake in the feast for their souls, promised fulfillment for their hunger and thirsting for righteousness (Matthew 5:6).
The context of community and mutual uplifting must prevail among the faithful, mirroring accurately the support Christ intends in the ecclesiastical family. "I have not dwelt proudly in the midst of my house" (Psalm 100:7), reveals that the haughty cannot find residence in our hearts. It is written that only the humble can remain; those who speak unjustly will not find place among the righteous.
As the psalmist declares, "In the morning I destroyed all the wicked that were in the land" (Psalm 100:8). There remains an apparent moment of mercy within God’s realm, awaiting a judgment day where truth reigns. The judgment is not exiled to uncertainty; it awaits the dawn, corresponding with God's nature of longsuffering; ensuring the light of day summons accountability. The night signifies this period of grace; patience lingers as salvation is offered. However, it’s crucial to remember that those refusing to amend their ways during this time of mercy face dire outcomes when the time of judgment arrives. Brethren, do not allow complacency to mask this truth; those who engage in iniquity will face divine consequence, separated from the community of saints.
As this time of mercy continues, we are called to heed God's voice as He cries out through His Word—a proclamation of His enduring mercy, while simultaneously forewarning of the judgment to come.
THEOSIS