Topical Bible: Wicked (People): God's Mercy To

Bible > Topical > Wicked (People)

◄ Wicked (People): God's Mercy To ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of God's mercy towards the wicked is a profound theme woven throughout the biblical narrative, illustrating the depth of divine compassion and the potential for redemption. The Bible consistently portrays God as both just and merciful, extending His grace even to those who have strayed far from His commandments.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, God's mercy towards the wicked is evident in several key passages. One of the most striking examples is found in the story of Nineveh, as recorded in the Book of Jonah. Despite their wickedness, the people of Nineveh were given an opportunity to repent. Jonah 3:10 states, "When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them." This narrative underscores the principle that genuine repentance can lead to divine forgiveness.

Another significant example is found in the life of King Manasseh of Judah. Known for his idolatry and evil practices, Manasseh eventually humbled himself before God. In 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 , it is recorded, "In his distress, he sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers. And when he prayed to Him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea, so He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom." This account highlights God's willingness to restore even those who have committed grave sins.

New Testament Revelation

The New Testament further amplifies the theme of God's mercy towards the wicked through the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), a powerful illustration of a father's forgiveness towards a wayward child. This parable reflects God's readiness to welcome back sinners who return to Him with contrite hearts.

Moreover, the Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, experienced God's mercy firsthand. In 1 Timothy 1:15-16 , Paul writes, "This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life." Paul's transformation from a persecutor to an apostle underscores the transformative power of divine mercy.

Theological Implications

The biblical testimony of God's mercy towards the wicked carries profound theological implications. It affirms the belief that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. The call to repentance is universal, and God's desire is for all to come to salvation (2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance").

Furthermore, the extension of mercy to the wicked challenges believers to emulate God's compassion in their own lives. Jesus' command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44) serves as a reminder that mercy should be a hallmark of Christian conduct.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible presents a consistent message of God's mercy towards the wicked, offering hope and redemption to all who turn to Him. This divine attribute not only reveals the character of God but also sets a standard for human relationships, encouraging believers to reflect God's mercy in their interactions with others. Through repentance and faith, even the most wayward individuals can experience the transformative power of God's grace.

Nave's Topical Index

Job 33:14-30
For God speaks once, yes twice, yet man perceives it not.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

God's People Delivered.
... voices, mysterious and awful, declare the doom of the wicked. ... and defiant, so exultant
in their cruelty to God's commandment-keeping people, are now ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

God's People Delivered
... voices, mysterious and awful, declare the doom of the wicked. ... and defiant, so exultant
in their cruelty to God's commandment-keeping people, are now ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
... to this the Lord answereth, "Let the wicked forsake his ... have mercy upon him, and
to his God, and I ... him abundantly." But we would think, say the people, that if ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations against despair or doubting.htm

Joshua and the Angel
... so in the near future he will stir up the wicked powers of earth to destroy the
people of God ... Those who are true to God will be menaced, denounced, proscribed ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 47 joshua and the.htm

A Doomed People
... have no pleasure in the death of the wicked." Micah 7 ... years the Jewish nation had
abused God's mercy and invited ... For these sins the people of Christ's day made ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 64 a doomed people.htm

God's People in the Furnace
... as through trial going to the pit of perdition, for the road of the wicked is not ...
We are told also in the Word of God, how a certain class of people are put ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/gods people in the furnace.htm

The Justice of God
... some good in the godly, therefore the wicked afflict them ... injustice in God, by
afflicting his people, to make ... If God deals so favourably with his children, he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 the justice of god.htm

God's Controversy with Man. Rev. Charles Prest.
... who are now enemies to Him by wicked works, being ... There was the good hand of God
in the administration of ... chastisement, in the conduct of the people under such ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/gods controversy with man rev.htm

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
... for that is the only cause why God takes away ... Children are extortioners of my people,
and women have rule ... and of all godliness, and that wicked men without God ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /a sermon on isaiah xxvi.htm

The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
... How easily can He rout all the forces of the wicked! ... David alludes to the people
of Israel, who at their ... in their hands, and give thanks to God for deliverances ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the best things work for.htm