Can You Find Another Like Him?
“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.“ (Psalm 103:8)
In the midst of judgment and restoration, in the midst of discipline and forgiveness, in the midst of defeat and promise, the God of the Bible displays His justice, righteousness, goodness, steadfast love, mercy, compassion, and grace in a way that makes Him stand out … Unique from the gods of Babylon and Assyria. Unique from all gods throughout history. Unique from all gods present and those to come. How does God prove this?
“[18] Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of His inheritance? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in steadfast love. [19] He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. [20] You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as You have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.”
The God of the Bible forgives thoroughly (v.18a) in Christ Jesus.
He lifts up your sins in order to remove them from you. He carries away your wrongdoings so you are not held in contempt against Him. He removes all your wickedness and guilt to free you from deserved punishment. As your substitutionary sacrifice upon the altar of God’s holiness, righteousness, and justice, Jesus Christ cleanses you of all sin. Jesus Christ removes sin, and releases you from the condemnation which you deserve because of sin.
The God of the Bible He loves patiently (v.18b) in Christ Jesus.
He doesn't hold on to anger. He doesn't hold a grudge. He doesn’t “bring up old stuff”. His heart isn't satisfied by the destruction of His beloved creation, but satisfied in the expression of His love toward all humanity. He wills and desires that you know His loyal love - faithful, steadfast, eternal.
The God of the Bible cares mercifully (v.19a) in Christ Jesus.
His unwavering and faithful tenderness strikes the heart of anyone willing to hear the truth. He not only possesses strong feelings of kindness and concern for you and your difficulties (regardless of your guilt and offense), but He will “again” have compassion - new mercies and sufficient grace every morning. He bestowed mercy in the past, and He continually exhibits compassion time and time again. What an encouragement for fallen people living in exile. But, “Can I you truly know of His merciful kindness to me?” Absolutely.
The God of the Bible liberates victoriously (v.19b) in Christ Jesus.
God subdues and destroys your sins as a victorious warrior over enemies. The dead carcasses of your sin are taken away and hurled into the deep … Never remembered. Never revived. In Jesus, the liberated are overcomers. In Jesus, the free are free indeed. In Jesus, the God of the Bible delights in you and places you in spacious places.
The God of the Bible promises faithfully (v.20) n Christ Jesus.
God remains faithful to that which He has sworn. He makes a vow with Himself, and it cannot be broken. God is not a man, that He might lie, or a son of man, that He might change His mind. Does He speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill? He keeps true to His Word and loyal to His commitments.
By grace through faith in Jesus the Christ, you belong to "the remnant of His inheritance”. You are His people, and He is your God. You are the sheep of His pasture, and He is the Good Shepherd. You are His prized and treasured possession. You are truly the Father’s love gift to the Son as an eternal possession. Why? Because He delights in expressing His covenant-keeping love. Who is like Christ Jesus our God, Lord, and Savior? Jesus died on the cross for your sins, and rose from the grave to confirm your inheritance. Believe today.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if there's anything you'd like to discuss further.
Linus Nguyen is the founder of Of The Way Ministries and serves as lead pastor of Emmanuel Bible Fellowship (Houston, Texas). He has taught in, developed curriculum for, and written on the subjects of Biblical Studies, Theology, Discipleship, Spiritual Formation, Philosophy of Religion, Missions, Humanities, Rhetoric, and Communications at Secondary, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate levels. // Follow him on Podcast, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook.