PRASD, Part 1--Device 5

Device 5--Satan will present God to you as a God made up entirely of mercy.

He will say, "Why do you worry so much about sin? Don't you know that God is a God who delights in showing mercy, who is always ready to show mercy?"

Remedy 1

Remember that God is as just as he is merciful.

He has given many convincing proofs of his justice, whether it be against Adam, Sodom, the sons of Aaron, and many others. He is the God who is "storing up wrath against you for the day of God's wrath."

Remedy 2

Remember sins against mercy will bring the greatest judgments upon men.

Consider the destruction of Jerusalem, as recorded in Lamentations. It followed years upon years of God's mercy at sin. But when his patience was over, the punishment was terrible.

Remedy 3

Though God's general mercy (common grace) is over all his works, there is a special mercy that is confined to those who are "divinely qualified."

When Satan tries to tempt you by presenting God's mercy to you, remind yourself that God's special mercy is reserved for those who are obedient to him.

Remedy 4

Remember that the saints of old viewed God's mercy as a most convincing argument not to sin

God's mercy is presented to you so that you will have the confidence to repent of sin and seek the mercy of God. To use it as a license to sin is a great misuse of it, that God cannot look upon kindly, and that the saints of old deplored.