The Attributes of God

The Grace of God and the Mercy of God

In chapter 13 of the Attributes of God, A.W Pink focuses on the grace of God. In this chapter, Pink explained,  “grace is the perfection of the divine character which is exercised only toward the elect” (Pink, 1975). Grace is not the same as mercy, for grace is “the sole source from which flows the goodwill, love, and salvation of God unto His chosen people” (Pink, 1975). Mercy is instead an attribute that is said to be over all of His works (Ps. 145:9).  Those who receive grace do not merit it; it is the saving favor of God bestowed to them. In the Epistles Paul explains to us what grace truly means. He speaks of it as in direct opposition to works. In Romans 11:6, he speaks of salvations saying, “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” Further, Eph. 2:8-9 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.” Pink also explains that there are three principle characteristics of divine grace. First it is eternal, “it was planned before it was exercised, purposed before it was imparted” (Pink, 1975). This principle is evidenced in 2 Timothy 1:9 which reads, “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” Another principle of grace is that it is free (Pink, 1975). No one could ever purchase the grace of God. This is shown also in Romans 3:24, “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Lastly, the third principle is that grace is sovereign (Pink, 1975). When God grants grace, He exercises it on those whom He pleases. In Romans 5:21, it speaks of grace reigning. God is seated on the throne and is seated on the “throne of grace” (Heb.4:16). It is amazing that God would grant grace to any one of us; He is in no way obligated to. We as fallen creatures deserve nothing but wrath but He is pleased to show unmerited favor to us. We as His people should be thankful for His gracious hand in giving us eternal life.

In chapter 14 of the Attributes of God, the mercy of God was centered upon. In this chapter, Pink mentions, “the mercy of God has its spring in the divine goodness” (Pink, 1975). God’s mercy signifies His willingness to relieve His fallen human beings from despair; this relief is from their bondage with sin. This is different from God’s dealings with His other creatures. For example God bestows grace to His angels who are unfallen because He has elected them out of all the angels to serve Him but He does not bestow mercy to them because they have never sinned toward Him in need of relief. They have been exalted to a high position to serve the Lord and have been given an honorable commission, which in itself is a gracious calling. Pink points out that there is a threefold distinction between God’s mercy. There is a general mercy of God, which is extended to all of His creation; this includes both believers and unbelievers (Acts 17:25) (Pink, 1975). There is also a special mercy of God, which is given to all the children man, this includes His patience toward their sins, and His supplies of all of their needs (Matt.5: 45) (Pink, 1975). Lastly, there is a sovereign mercy that God bestows on His elect children through the work of Christ (Pink, 1975). God alone determines whom He chooses to exercise His mercy on. In Romans 9:15, it reiterates what God said to Moses, with Him stating, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.” It is God’s choice to choose who He will have mercy on; the creatures outside of Him do not influence Him at all. Truly God’s mercies are great, especially to those who have been granted spiritual mercies. Psalm 103:11 reads, “For as the heavens is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.” As His redeemed creatures, we should give thanks to the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever (Ps. 136:1).

Pink, A.W. The Attributes of God. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1975.