The Effect of the Saints Seeing and Knowing God’s Sovereign Mercy

 

The Effect of the Saints Seeing and Knowing God’s Sovereign Mercy

Romans 9:15–16, 18, 20–23 — “For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy… in order that He might make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand unto glory.”
Hebrews 4:16 — “Let us therefore come forward with boldness to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace for timely help.” 

Aspect	The Effect of the Saints Seeing and Knowing God’s Sovereign Mercy
Meaning	To know God’s sovereign mercy means to see that all our spiritual experiences—salvation, calling, service, and daily situations—are fully out of God’s sovereignty and mercy, not of human will or effort (Rom. 9:15–16). This vision humbles the believers and fills them with gratitude and reverence before God.
Reason	Man, having fallen, is unable to save or choose God by himself. Without God’s sovereign mercy, no one could turn to Him or serve Him. God, according to His own will and authority, shows mercy to whom He wills, making them vessels of honor for His glory (Rom. 9:18, 23; Eph. 2:4–5).
Purpose	That the riches of God’s glory might be manifested through His chosen ones, who become vessels to contain Him and express Him (Rom. 9:23–24). God’s mercy serves His eternal economy, enabling His purpose to be fulfilled (Eph. 3:21).
Explanation	“Sovereign mercy” means that the giving of mercy depends entirely on God’s authority, not on man’s decision or effort (Rom. 9:15–16). Therefore, our ability to seek God, love Him, serve Him, and bear responsibility is the result of His mercy (Jer. 29:13; Deut. 4:29).
Examples	1. Moses was shown mercy and called by God (Exo. 33:19; Rom. 9:15). 2. Paul, once a persecutor, became an apostle through mercy (1 Tim. 1:13–16). 3. Believers today, being brought into the church life and service, are living proofs of God’s sovereign mercy (Rom. 9:23).
Application	1. Realize that all spiritual blessings and service come from God’s mercy, not from human merit. 2. In all circumstances, learn to thank God for His sovereignty and mercy. 3. Serve with humility, gratitude, and faith, seeking Him earnestly (Isa. 55:6).
Effect	1. Believers are filled with worship and thanksgiving, acknowledging God’s sovereignty. 2. They turn from self-dependence to trust, from self-will to submission. 3. The church becomes a vessel full of glory, manifesting the riches of God’s mercy (Rom. 9:23). 4. Saints willingly bear spiritual responsibilities, living as testimonies of His mercy.
Burden	Believers must deeply realize that their salvation, love for the Lord, and service in His recovery are all out of His sovereign mercy. The more we see this, the more humble, thankful, and faithful we become to bear the burden of God’s economy.
Prophetic Utterance Guide	1. “Lord, thank You that I am in Your recovery today—it is all because of Your sovereign mercy.” 2. “Lord, open my eyes to trust in Your mercy, not in my own strength.” 3. “Lord, make me a vessel of mercy, full of Your glory and expression.”
Detailed Scriptures	Ephesians 1:4 — “Even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” Ephesians 2:4–5 — “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in offenses, made us alive together with Christ.” Jeremiah 29:13 — “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Deuteronomy 4:29 — “But from there you will seek Jehovah your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Isaiah 55:6 — “Seek Jehovah while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.”

 

Conclusion: 

God’s mercy is the expression of His sovereignty. It makes us chosen, loved, called, and useful vessels to contain and express Him. Those who truly see this will live in worship, gratitude, and obedience, cooperating with God for the fulfillment of His New Testament economy.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training, General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7, Part 4: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy and will receive mercy.