Student Question
How do mercy and the Law interact in the Bible?
Quick answer:
In the Bible, the interaction between mercy and the Law differs between the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the Law, given by Moses, emphasized justice, often with "an eye for an eye" approach. However, God is also described as merciful. In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes mercy over strict adherence to the Law, advocating for forgiveness and love. Jesus fulfills the Law, teaching that mercy should guide actions, highlighting a shift towards a more compassionate understanding of God's will.
Based on my study and understanding of the Bible, the Law and mercy are things that are seen differently depending upon whether it's in the Old or the New Testament.
One source notes:
In the Old Testament God is considered "Merciful and Gracious" and is praised for it, e.g. as in Psalms 103.
In the Old Testament, the Law governed all that God's people did. The Law was given to the people by Moses to help govern them, for (theologically speaking) there was nothing else to guide them. Revenge for "serious injury" was an option given in the Old Testament to the people.
But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. (Exodus 21:23-25)
However, Jesus Christ, in the Sermon on the Mount, when he...
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delivered the Beatitudes (as recorded in the Book of Matthew) stated:
You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. (5:38-39)
Again in the New Testament, to Christ's followers in Rome, Paul reminds Christians again of the new way:
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19, NIV)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life inChrist Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill… (Matthew 5:17)
Jesus saw the importance of following the Law; however, with his message of love, he taught the importance of showing mercy and leaving "vengeance" to God.
References
How do law and mercy work together in the New Testament?
This is challenging. A major focus of the New Testament is the focus on Jesus. The Gospels (“good news”; evangelion in Greek) focus on the teachings of Jesus. His teachings and ideas are rooted in God's mercy. On the whole, Jesus presents a very merciful notion of God. If one accepts the teachings of Christ as absolute, the force of the law, in the form of God, will demonstrate mercy upon the submissive individual. The law is thus seen as an instrument of benevolent mercy, something that can bring the individual into the path of righteous behavior and good work.
The law is not used as a bludgeon to divide the soul of the individual because the teachings of Christ as seen in the Gospels are unifying principles of mercy. The basis of the "good news" is that individuals can be saved and the path to human salvation lies in accepting the universal love and mercy that Jesus offers. In compiling the New Testament, the law of Christ's teachings is seen as a force of mercy that enables the individual to approach spiritual identity with love and compassion. This makes law and mercy synonymous, working together to save the condition of humanity in the New Testament.