Why We Are Deserving of God’s Grace and Mercy

As Christians, we often say that we don’t deserve God’s grace and mercy. I’ve been reflecting on this recently, wondering if that’s entirely true. Could it be possible that we are indeed deserving of God’s grace and mercy?

At first glance, it seems obvious that our actions and behaviours disqualify us from receiving God’s grace. However, when we examine the Old Testament, we may find some clues that suggest otherwise.

Old Testament Leaders and God’s Mercy

Consider a leader like Joshua. He was a deeply God-fearing man, and his leadership brought favour to God’s people. Yet, even under such righteous leadership, sin persisted. People, being human, continued to fall into sinful behaviours, no matter who was in charge. Despite this, God’s grace and mercy endured.

Why? The answer lies in the fact that they were His people. God’s grace and mercy continued because they belonged to Him, a chosen people set apart for His purpose. They didn’t deserve grace and mercy because of their actions but because of their covenant relationship with God.

God’s Covenant and Our Place in His Family

The Israelites were in covenant with God, and that covenant made them recipients of His grace. This wasn’t due to their righteousness but because God had made a promise to them. This concept carries over to us today. We, who are in Christ, are part of a new covenant. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are brought into God’s family, and that changes everything.

As Christians, we are now His people through Christ. Deserving God’s grace and mercy comes not because of anything we’ve done but because of what Jesus did on the cross. This new covenant grants us a birthright to His grace and mercy.

Romans 8:17 reminds us, “and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”

I know the word “deserve” can feel uncomfortable, but think about it this way: as God’s children, born into His family through Christ, we inherit His love, grace, and mercy.

A Father’s Love and Our Adoption

I think about my own children and how, no matter what they do, they deserve my love simply because they’re mine. Their actions don’t determine their worthiness of my love; their position as my children does. While my grace for them has limits because of my human imperfections, our Heavenly Father’s grace knows no bounds. His love, mercy, and grace are perfect because He is perfect.

One of the most remarkable truths of the Gospel is that through Christ, we are adopted into God’s family. His perfection covers us, and we are made His sons and daughters. What an incredible reality! Deserving God’s grace and mercy becomes a reality not by merit, but by divine adoption.

As Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV) states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

We are co-heirs with Christ, deserving not because of who we are, but because of who He is and what He has done for us.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• Do you believe you are deserving of God’s grace and mercy? Why or why not?
• How would you describe becoming co-heirs with Christ to a friend or neighbour?
• What is the most amazing component of the Gospel to you?