Christianity Considered 6 (Cont)

The Mercy of God (Continued)

In our last blog we mentioned that the only entry into heaven will be through the mercy of God. But there are some that might decide not to trust in the mercy of God but to rely on the value of their own lives - their character, their good works, etc. For example, many Jewish people believe God has a scales, and He will weigh their good works, and weigh their sins, and if their good works outweigh their sins they will be O.K. They are not looking for mercy, they are looking for justice. Be careful! This is a dangerous path and it leads to destruction. Shakespeare wrote: “Though justice be thy plea, consider this, that, in the course of justice, none of us should see salvation”. Even the best of us cannot gain acceptance down that road.

Some examples of ‘good works’

Think of Mr. George Muller who gave himself to look after hundreds of orphans in Bristol.

Or Dr. Thomas Barnardo who did a similar work in London.

Or William Booth who dedicated his life to charitable works, and founded the Salvation Army.

Or Brother Andrew who founded ‘Open Doors’ and distributed Christian literature to those who needed it.

Or William Wilberforce who was a philanthropist and helped to abolish the slave trade.

Or Helen Roseveare who established maternity and leprosy care in Africa.

Or Robert Raikes who started Sunday schools which by 1903 were attended regularly by over 6 million children.

Or Andrew Reed, a London Minister who founded the Royal Hospital & Home for Incurables.

Or Dr. Annie McCall who founded the Clapham Maternity hospital in 1889.

Or Elizabeth Fry who started the Institute for Nursing Sisters in 1840.

All of these have gone to heaven, but not one of them got there because of their good works. They all asked God for mercy. And we are not even as good as them. If they couldn’t get in on the basis of ‘good works’ what chance have we.

A parable

Generally, when we compare our lives with others we usually make sure that the comparison is in our favour. Jesus told a parable to illustrate the problem. There were two men who went to the Temple to pray. One looked for acceptance on the basis of his good works. The other asked for mercy. The religious man prayed. ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ (Luke 18:11,12) Notice how he compared himself with those who were worse than himself (extortioners, unjust, adulterers or traitors). And notice how he lists those elements that he thinks will get him brownie points with God – fasting and tithing. He is seeking acceptance on the grounds of his goodness. But the other man … “And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’” (Luke 18:13) This man is not asking for justice – he is asking for mercy. And he is asking wholeheartedly, with eyes lowered and a knowledge of his condition. Jesus said, only one of them went home justified. Can you guess which one? That’s right, the tax-collector.

It is essential that we trust in the mercy of God.