Mercy and Judgment
How We Can Have Assurance in Christ
One of the most pressing concerns for many Christians is the question of assurance—how can we know for certain that we are saved? While we often affirm that we can have this confidence in Christ, doubts can creep in, especially when we realize that we do not always fully understand everything perfectly or fear that we may have gotten something wrong. Yet, the scriptures provide us with clear guidance on how we can be assured of our salvation in Christ. One of the key principles that grants us this assurance is the relationship between mercy and judgment.
The Law Without Mercy
The Bible draws a distinction between a law that shows no mercy and the freedom found in Christ’s law of liberty. James explains the rigid nature of law when he writes, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10). Under such a system, any deviation from perfect obedience results in condemnation. This paints a picture of a legalistic framework where mercy has no place.
In the Old Testament, punishment was often swift and unyielding for lawbreakers. Deuteronomy 19:21 emphasizes, "And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth." Here we see the essence of law without mercy, where justice is exacted without leniency. Under a law like this, judgment is harsh, and one misstep brings condemnation.
The Perfect Law of Liberty
In contrast, James introduces the "perfect law of liberty" in James 1:25, which provides Christians with a framework of both justice and mercy. Through Christ, we are no longer under the burden of a law that brings condemnation, but under a law of freedom. However, this liberty is not an excuse to live carelessly, but an invitation to serve God freely, knowing that Christ’s sacrifice has covered our sins.
Paul affirms this in Romans 8:1-2, where he writes, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." The perfect law of liberty brings us freedom, not from moral obligation, but from the burden of guilt and the curse of sin.
The law of liberty frees us to follow Christ without fear of condemnation for every mistake, so long as we remain in Him, faithfully walking according to His Word. The mercy of God triumphs over judgment when we live under this law of liberty.
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
James 2:13 encapsulates a powerful truth for Christians seeking assurance: "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment." The verse reminds us that God’s judgment is tempered by mercy for those who themselves are merciful. When we live lives characterized by mercy, we can have confidence that God will deal mercifully with us in judgment.
Jesus taught the same principle when He said, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7). This shows us that the mercy we extend to others reflects our understanding of God's mercy toward us. If we live according to Christ’s example, showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, we can trust in God’s promise that mercy will be extended to us.
Assurance Through Mercy
The relationship between mercy and judgment is not only important in how we relate to others but also in how we view our own standing before God. While no Christian can claim perfect knowledge or perfect obedience, those who walk in the light of Christ and live mercifully are assured of God’s mercy in judgment. As Paul reminds us, "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10), and we all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). However, our assurance is not based on our perfection, but on the perfect sacrifice of Christ and our faithfulness in following Him.
We do not have to fear God's judgment when we are merciful because mercy triumphs over judgment. The key to this assurance is living a life that reflects the mercy we have received from God through Christ. As long as we remain faithful to what we know, walk in the light, and continually grow in our understanding of the scriptures, we can rest assured that God’s mercy will cover where we fall short.
Conclusion
The juxtaposition between a law without mercy and the perfect law of liberty provides a powerful illustration of how we can have confidence in our salvation. While the old system demanded perfect adherence with no room for error, the law of liberty offers freedom through Christ, where mercy triumphs over judgment.
As we live merciful lives, following the example of Christ, we do not need to fear standing before God in judgment. Our assurance lies not in perfect knowledge or flawless understanding but in our faithful obedience to what we know and in the mercy we both receive and extend. When we walk in the law of liberty, we can know that God’s mercy will cover us, giving us the confidence and peace that we are truly saved.