Micah 7:18 Who is a God like to you, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage?… The drift and scope of this place is to show God's infinite and constant mercies to His children. This is propounded in the benefits they receive: justification by the blood of Christ, and sanctification by His Spirit. Justification is thus set forth. He shows what He will take away; even original sin, and our rebellion. What He will pass by; "the transgression of the remnant of His heritage." Sanctification is amplified in two degrees: in this life, and in the life to come. The reasons moving God are taken from His nature, from His mercy, and from His truth. Strengthened and confirmed from divers other reasons, from antiquity, from the often repetition thereof; and God has even sworn it. Doctrine 1. There is none so merciful as God. Reasons — Mercy is God's nature. All creatures in heaven and earth have their mercy by derivation from this mercy of God. Mercy in God is free, without any cause of us moving Him to the same. Doctrine 2. That it is the mercy of all mercies to have our sins forgiven, to have them covered, buried, and done quite away, Reasons — Because other mercies reprobate men may have, as an abstinence from some sins, a show of sanctification, some outward gifts of the Spirit, etc.; but this mercy of forgiveness none can have but the elect. Because this benefit is the chiefest fountain which flowed from Christ's blood. Because it bringeth unto us the happiest fruits and benefits here and hence. Because it brings us to an everlasting peace in heaven. Doctrine 3. That God in a wonderful and special manner respecteth His heritage. Reasons — Because they are God's purchase. Because of His providence, in that He keepeth a continual watch over them. Because He dwelleth amongst His Church, and therefore He will have a special care to His own heritage, to do them all manner of kindnesses. Doctrine 4. That the people of God be, but a remnant in regard of the wicked, even like the gleanings of the corn, a small company. We must not be discouraged though we see few go with us in the way to heaven. Doctrine 5. That the afflictions of God's children shall have a seasonable and a speedy end. Reasons — Because "the Lord doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." Because we have such a sure Friend in the court of heaven. Because by afflictions we gain instruction. Because God correcteth only for our profit. Doctrine 6. Those who have once heel any saving comfort shall have it again. Reasons — Because all God's saving graces be given for everlasting. Because He will turn again and have compassion, for His heart is near unto us. Because of all burdens the absence of God's favour is so intolerable. Doctrine 7. Where God forgiveth sin, there He also subdueth sin. Reasons — Because the virtue of Christ's death can never be separated from the merit of the same. Because without this subduing of sin upon forgiveness, neither should we have comfort from Him, nor He glory from us. Doctrine 8. Those who have their sins subdued whilst they live shall have them all drowned when they are dead. Doctrine 9. That wherein God delighteth it is impossible but it must needs come to pass. And He delighteth in mercy. Doctrine 10. God is bound, in regard of His truth, to fulfil all His former mercies to His children. Too often we neglect God's promises, because we do not receive immediate help. We must labour by all means to remember and apply the promises, and so turn them into prayers. ( Sibbes, Richard.) Parallel Verses KJV: Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. |
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