Amazing Fountain of Grace, Part II

Grace. What is it? How is it applied to me, and how should I apply it toward others? And how does it differ from Mercy?

Grace is what God gives that we do not deserve (salvation, right standing with God). Mercy is what God does not give that we do deserve (judgment, wrath, damnation). We do not deserve God's goodness, but instead He has lavished grace upon us. By God's mercy, we escape hell. But by God's grace, we receive everlasting life by the atonement of Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:24, Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-10, Titus 2:11) Mercy is what grace offers. Mercy has meaning more synonymous with compassion (Psalm 119:156, Jeremiah 31:20, Romans 9:15, Matthew 18:33).

Resources on Grace:

Pastor John Piper's Study of Grace, in Romans 1:1-5

C.H. Spurgeon's Exposition of Romans 1:1-25

What is Grace?

Boice, James Montgomery. The Glory of God's Grace: The Meaning of God's Grace-And How It Can Change Your Life.

Chafer, Lewis Sperry. Grace.

David Morsey, Of Grace and Mercy

Pink, A.W. The Attributes of God.
Chapter 13. The Grace of God
Chapter 14. The Mercy of God