God sent his son to us as his part of a new contract, or covenant. As an example, to us, Jesus lived a perfect life for God the father. Jesus gave up this perfect life as “part” of the payoff for our sins. The emphasis on the word “Part” isn’t by accident. There is more payment due, and it’s the portion we must fulfill. For our “part”, we must ask for forgiveness for our sins, and pledge our faith and belief in our savior, Jesus. But do we ask for mercy for others, even if they won’t ask for their own forgiveness?
According to Paul,
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
But what if a sinner believes in God, but doesn’t ask for forgiveness? Does that person deserve mercy?
Simon the Sorcerer
In the book of Acts chapter 8, we learn of a man named Simon. Simon was a self-proclaimed sorcerer in Samaria. Upon seeing the power of the one true God working through the apostles Peter and John, Simon tried to offer money to be able to perform the same acts. In a sense, Simon tried to buy the same gifts given to Peter and John. Peter rebuked Simon and told Simon exactly what he must do to earn salvation and forgiveness. He must ask for it and repent for his sins. Instead of following the instructions of Peter, Simon asked Peter to do it for him.
Acts 8:24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”
This man Simon was presented with the wonders of God, and still could not bring himself to repent for his own sins and beg for forgiveness to save himself. Does this man deserve to have mercy requested on his behalf?
God the Merciful
We know that God is a merciful God, demonstrated by the great mercy he has shown us. David wrote of Gods mercy in the Psalms.
Psalms 25:10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. (KJV)
Does that mean that God will also give a pass to those who refuse to accept their sins and repent for their sins? Not according to our covenant with God, it doesn’t. You see, we are all enjoined into this contract. A man like Simon thought he could opt out of the covenant, yet still receive mercy. Unfortunately, that isn’t how it works. God gives us the freedom to choose our paths. We can choose the path of his glory that leads to an eternal home in heaven, or we can choose to eternal suffering. It’s not a negotiation. But does that mean we should ask for mercy on others? James clarifies this for us.
James 2:13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
It’s about the Merciful
The Bible holds all the answers. It’s not about whether a sinner that refuses to repent can receive mercy. It’s about whether we can truly hold in our hearts enough love for one another to ask for mercy for others. Jesus loved all man, even those who tortured and murdered him. Imagine the agony that Jesus endured, being tortured, spat on, humiliated, beaten, nailed to a cross and hung, and pierced with a spear. He still loved all man enough to utter the ask of forgiveness for them.
Luke 23:34
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Over and over, God commands us to be merciful of others. In Philippians, Paul told the church that they are to hold the same attitude as Christ. This means asking for mercy of others, even when we know they refuse to beg for their own forgiveness.
Proverbs 3:3-4 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.