Question 11

Is not God then also merciful?

God is indeed merciful,^a but also just;^b therefore his justice requires,^c that sin, which is committed against the most high majesty of God, be also punished with extreme, that is, with everlasting punishment, both of body and soul.^d

1. a. Exodus 34:6

   Exodus 34:6

   ^34:6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

   ^34:6 Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: "The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness,

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Exodus 20:5; Job 34:10–11

   Exodus 20:5

   ^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;

   ^20:5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

   Job 34:10–11

   ^34:10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. ^34:11 For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.

   ^34:10 Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly. ^34:11 For according to a man's deeds He repays him; according to a man's ways He brings consequences.

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

3. c. Psalm 5:5–6

   Psalm 5:5–6

   ^5:5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. ^5:6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

   ^5:5 The boastful cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all workers of iniquity. ^5:6 You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

4. d. Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23

   Genesis 2:17

   ^2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

   ^2:17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die."

   Romans 6:23

   ^6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

   ^6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible