Are We Deserving of God’s Grace and Mercy?

Most Christians would agree that theologically, we’re not deserving of God’s grace and mercy. And yet, I’ve been reflecting on whether that’s entirely true. Could it be possible that we are deserving of God’s grace and mercy? Not because of our actions of course, but because of who we are in Him?

At first glance, it seems obvious that our behaviours disqualify us from receiving such grace. But when we dig into the Old Testament, some clues suggest otherwise.

Old Testament Leaders and God’s Mercy

Consider a leader like Joshua. He was a deeply God-fearing man whose 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 did God’s mercy continue? The answer lies in the fact that they were His people. God’s grace and mercy persisted because they belonged to Him, a chosen people set apart for His purpose. They didn’t receive 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.”

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 due to 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.

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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?