So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy (Romans 9:16). God's mercy is not earned by our efforts, because it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs. Our will power and efforts can never save us. God shows us mercy by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
God shows mercy in Christ crucified for our sins. That is to say, the sacrificial death of Christ satisfies the demands of God's holiness and wrath against our sin. God's just wrath is satisfied for sinners who trust in Christ alone for mercy and justification. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world (1 John 2:2).
God shows mercy in the blood of Jesus taking away all our sins (1 John 1:7). Mercy through the gospel of Christ transforms your life. God's mercy changes your heart to change your life. Only God can change your heart. The heart is a symbol for your mind, will, and emotions.
God shows mercy in Christ working within us as believers. God's mercy renews your mind to understand the will of God (Romans 12:1-2). Such a change enables you to repent and come to faith in Christ. The word repent comes from two Greek words. Meta means change. Nous means mind. God's mercy leads you to repentance (Romans 2:4).
