27/02/2026
*TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING GRACE AND MERCY*
Text: Ephesians 2:4–9
“But God, who is rich in mercy… by grace ye are saved.” Ephesians 2:4–5
INTRODUCTION
Many believers use the words grace and mercy interchangeably, but the Bible shows they are different though connected.
To live victoriously, we must understand what God has given us through His mercy and His grace.
*1. WHAT IS MERCY?*
(Not getting what we deserve)
Definition:
Mercy is God withholding the punishment we deserve for our sins.
Lamentations 3:22
“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed…” Psalm 103:10
“He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.” Luke 18:13
“God be merciful to me a sinner.”
Explanation:
By justice, we deserved judgment.
By mercy, God forgave us.
Mercy removes the bad.
It rescues us from condemnation.
Romans 6:23a
“For the wages of sin is death…”
But mercy steps in so that we are not destroyed.
2. WHAT IS GRACE? (Getting what we don’t deserve)
Definition:
Grace is God’s unearned favor. His gift of salvation and blessings we did not work for.
Ephesians 2:8–9
“For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works…” Romans 5:17
“They which receive abundance of grace… shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:11
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”
Explanation:
Grace does more than forgive, it lifts, blesses, and restores.
Grace adds the good.
It gives eternal life, sonship, and victory. Romans 6:23b
“But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
*3. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MERCY AND GRACE*
Psalm 23:6
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me…”
Mercy deals with our past (sin).
Grace deals with our future (new life).
Illustration:
A criminal deserves prison.
If the judge sets him free → mercy
If the judge also gives him a job and home → grace John 1:17
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
Mercy spares us.
Grace transforms us.
*4. WHY WE NEED BOTH MERCY AND GRACE*
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Notice the order:
Obtain mercy (for forgiveness)
Find grace (for strength to live right)
2 Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is sufficient for thee…”
Grace empowers us to overcome what mercy forgave.
*CONCLUSION*
Mercy saved us from hell.
Grace brings us into heaven’s family. Micah 7:18
“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity… because he delighteth in mercy.” Romans 5:20
“Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”
*SUMMARY*
Mercy means God did not give me what I deserved.
Grace means God gave me what I did not deserve.
Mercy forgives me.
Grace empowers me.
Mercy removes my past.
Grace secures my future.
Bro JCA
