Catechisma

Lord’s Day 4

Q11. But isn't God also merciful?

God is indeed merciful, but he is also just. His justice means that sin against the most high God must be punished with the greatest punishment — an everlasting punishment of body and soul.

Scripture Proofs — King James Version

1

Exodus 34:6–7

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

Psalm 103:8–9

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

2

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.

Psalm 5:4–6

For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

3

Matthew 25:45–46

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

2 Thessalonians 1:8–9

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.

Parent Guide

Discuss this question together

Discussion Questions

  1. 1

    The catechism says God is both merciful and just. What does each of those words mean?

  2. 2

    Why can God not simply forgive sin without any punishment?

  3. 3

    Does knowing that God punishes sin forever make you want to find a way to be rescued?

Illustration

If a judge lets a guilty criminal walk free without any consequence, people would say that judge is unfair to the victims. God is the perfect judge. He is full of mercy, but he cannot ignore what is wrong. Sin against an infinitely holy God calls for a serious punishment.

Application

This is the end of the guilt section of the catechism. You should feel the weight of your sin right now. That weight is meant to drive you to look for a Savior. Ask God to help you see why you need Jesus so desperately.