Mercy & Grace

Introduction

This study will be focusing on the final phrases spoken by Jesus as recorded in Scripture

Historically referred to as the Seven Last Words, these were uttered as he hanged upon a cross as an innocent man, yet paying for the sins of humanity

These phrases reflect both the humanity and deity of Christ, and unveil the plan of God in a succinct manner

These phrases are deliberate and reveal both the divinity and humanity of Christ

hypostatic union — 2 distinct natures (divine, human) in one person: Jesus Christ.

he is truly God and truly man

They teach us of God

And they teach us about ourselves

We are going to look at the mercy & grace of God displayed in the first two utterances of Jesus from the cross.

There is a difference between grace and mercy.

God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense

Unknown

Mercy means that God does not give me what I do deserve; grace means that He gives me what I don’t deserve.

Warren W. Wiersbe

Mercy is offered to the unaware

first of the phrases we encounter

Luke 23:34 “34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.”

Romans soldiers are gambling for his few possessions, the crowd is jeering, the religious leaders are smirking, and his disciples are weeping

Forgiveness is not a removal of sin, but of the guilt of sin

Forgiveness does not negate the consequences of sinful behavior, only the condemnation that comes with a guilty verdict

Forgiveness defined

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament A. The Greek Usage.

ἀφιέναι, “

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 40.8 ἀφίημι; ἄφεσις, εως; ἀπολύω

40.8 ἀφίημιf; ἄφεσιςa, εως f; ἀπολύωe: to remove the guilt resulting from wrongdoing—‘

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 40.8 ἀφίημι; ἄφεσις, εως; ἀπολύω

It is extremely important to note that the focus in the meanings of ἀφίημιf, ἄφεσιςa, and ἀπολύωe is upon the guilt of the wrongdoer and not upon the wrongdoing itself. The

Some say it was directed to the soldiers who gambles for his possessions. Others say it was directed to the crowd. I think it was directed forward toward humanity, to whosoever needed it

This was an unexpected and undeserved love, and most were unaware they were guilty

The Judge was judged, and the condemned

Forgiveness is offered to all

Grace is offered to the underserving

second, chronologically

Luke 23:43 “43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.””

One of the two criminals was railing, literally abusing Christ verbally. The second chastised the first, and in doing so, confessed his own sin and guilt.

He asks Jesus to remember him, which resulted in Jesus’ profound statement

shocking statement to others who may have heard.

This man was being executed for his crimes, yet Christ tells him he will soon join him in heavenly places

Paradise defined

Is Jesus speaking of a location or a state? Does it matter?

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 1.14 παράδεισος, ου

παράδεισος, ου m: a dwelling place of the righteous dead in a

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament 3. Fellowship with Christ in Paradise (Lk. 23:43).

The NT consistently represents f

Regardless of how much detail we try to add to concept, the bottom line is that those who have died with a saving faith in Christ are with him in a place of perfect fellowship

It is never too late to receive salvation

Conclusion

The first two utterances of Jesus from the cross demonstrated his entire mission:

he came to offer mercy through forgiveness

and grace through salvation