Why God puts up with Evil, Part 3

3rd, God puts up with sin in order to extend His undeserved mercy. Romans 9:23 speaks of "vessels of mercy prepared for glory". It is something God decided to do because of His love. God in His wisdom made a world where His wrath and mercy would both be displayed. Grace means getting something you do not deserve. Like someone handing out free ice cream. Mercy (the Greek word eleos) is not getting what you do deserve – extended by God to alleviate the consequences of sin. You deserve a ticket but the officer lets you go with a warning; or kids, you disobey your parents and they don’t give you the consequence you deserve. 1 Pet. 3:18
"Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God". God has dealt decisively and effectively with the problem of sin. Jesus Christ is God's solution to the problem of sin, the only way to salvation. Eternal life comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for God's glory alone. John 6:44 "no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him". John 6:65 "no one can come to me unless it has been granted to him by my father". Our hope in Him, an anchor for our souls, based on His unchangeable character shown in His promises and covenant.

Nothing is more amazing than a formerly hell-bound sinner, once alienated and hostile to God, who turns to Jesus in faith and then praises the glory of His grace. The apostle Paul is exhibit A: 1 Tim. 1:12-14. William Carey is a good example: the 1st missionary to India sent by the Baptist Missionary Society, he wrote in his will that he wanted a simple headstone on his grave: William Carey, born August 17, 1761: died 'A wretched, poor, and helpless worm, On Thy kind arms I fall.' On his deathbed he said: "When I am gone, say nothing about Dr. Carey; speak about Dr. Carey's Saviour". There was John Newton, who wrote Amazing Grace, lived to be 82, died in 1807, preached almost to the end of his life. He never ceased to be amazed at God's grace. He told friends: "My memory is almost gone; but I remember 2 things; I am a great sinner, & Christ is a great Saviour".

In God's economy some graciously receive mercy. Where sin abounded grace abounded all the more. Salvation came through Jesus Christ, the 2nd Adam, representative head of the redeemed. God could destroy sinners the first time they sinned, that is His prerogative. God puts up with sin to show mercy. Those who receive it never get over it. He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:3 It is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. 1 Tim. 1:15.