Proverbs 16:6a, Sins Forgiven!

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October 21, Proverbs 16:6a

Psalm 85; John 1:15-17 “Mercy provides. Truth accepts the ransom.”

Sins Forgiven!

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged. This must not, we believe, be taken as referring merely to man’s mercy and truth, as Perowne and Kidner assert. Dr. Alden writes, “Sin does not go unpunished, and though righteous men also sin, God’s love and faithfulness have provided a way of atonement.” Yes, Solomon was speaking in the spirit of the O.T., but he saw no contradiction between between mercy and truth. God has revealed Himself as the God of Righteousness and Truth, who purged sin by the sacrifice of a substitute!

1. Its Root! What is this happening? Four times Solomon mentions mercy and truth as indissoluble twins. Those who hold them fast know God’s favour (3:3). They distinguish good men from bad (14:22). The king’s throne can only survive when both are upheld (20:28). Here these “twins” pop up again. In Ps. 61 the cry goes up, O prepare mercy and truth to preserve [the king] (v.7). Ps. 85 affirms His salvation is nigh them that fear him because mercy and truth are met together (vs.9-10). Mercy and Truth, you see, are rooted in the Heart of God.

2. Its Reason! Why did this happen? The last proverb ended with he shall not be unpunished. Now this verse gives the glorious affirmation that iniquity is purged. Purged is the great word to atone, make propitiation, cover. Yet, the cry of Psalmist and promise of Proverb had to await the fuller light that only came when the Sun of Righteousness [arose] with healing in His wings. This is almost the last promise before the O.T. closed for four hundred years (Mal. 4:2). Hidden for centuries, it was only in the face of Jesus Christ that the eye of faith was opened to see the wonder and beauty of the fulfilment of this verse. Many want one without the other, but that is impossible. What was the reason? Mercy torn from Truth would deny holiness and dishonour God. Truth parted from Mercy would end in perdition for all. Iniquity would not be taken away. Yes, both are necessary for our salvation, and both are found in Jesus Christ, where they met and kissed.

3. Its Result! Where did this happen? Where, but in that “Fountain filled with blood, drawn from Immanuel’s veins”! Only in Christ crucified do both unite, because both are satisfied only in Him. “The Israel of God, no longer kept in the outer court, entered through the rent veil, and, from the Holy of Holies, looked through the ancient record on an illuminated heaven” (Arnot). There was never any contradiction between them. “Christ’s warfare was the warfare of truth and mercy against the untruth and hardness of the heart of man” (Maurice). Iniquity is purged forever from the conscience because punished, once for all, in the Substitute. Truth was met when Christ shed His blood on the Cross, the just for the unjust. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. The result was that God’s mercy can be freely bestowed on all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. “And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith” (Acts. 15:9).

Praise: We shall never know the truth of mercy until we look believingly unto Jesus.

Prayer: O Lord, that many will believe today on the only Redeemer from sin.