johngc
02-04-2002, 08:18 AM
In reading The Attributes of God, a work of A W Pink I believe he refers to common mercy rather than common grace. If we understand the term "common" to refer to God's actions to all humankind, irrespective of their relationship to him do you think that it is better to call this grace or mercy?
I understnd grace as unmerited favour when the recipient deserves the opposite type of treatment and mercy is the witholding of that punishment which is deserved.
Illustration : If I'm found guilty of stealing a car the judge shows mercy by NOT sending me to prison, but he shows grace by NOT sending me to prison AND by giving me the keys to his car.
So when the rain falls on the just and the unjust ,are the unjust being given a good thing they don't deserve (grace) or just not condemend to hell immediately (mercy).
I understnd grace as unmerited favour when the recipient deserves the opposite type of treatment and mercy is the witholding of that punishment which is deserved.
Illustration : If I'm found guilty of stealing a car the judge shows mercy by NOT sending me to prison, but he shows grace by NOT sending me to prison AND by giving me the keys to his car.
So when the rain falls on the just and the unjust ,are the unjust being given a good thing they don't deserve (grace) or just not condemend to hell immediately (mercy).