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But, notice, if He decreed you to be adopted in ages past (in Ephesians Paul says it was before the foundation of the world 1:4), then He set in motion all that must have transpired to get you to turn to Him, this is such utter and unbounded love that He expressed toward you that you ought to have one and only one person to thank...God.

So, "mercy" is defined not as giving anyone and everyone who wants it salvation. Rather, "mercy" is God deciding to set some free from the punishment that the rest will not escape. And Paul knows when the Romans understand what he is arguing will say, "Then how can He still find fault, for who escapes His will?" But, the answer is...that is just the way it is.

AMEN! Outstanding post, Dutchboy. Mercy is a sovereign choice as opposed to an automatic reaction to the choice of another. That's what makes it special and of such higher value.

It's interesting that a common criticism we get is that our love for God is not "real love" unless it is of the kind favored by free will advocates (free from interference from God). YET, God's mercy towards us somehow still counts as "real mercy" even though their triggering mechanism is ultimately wholly of man! It appears that no matter whether we are talking about man to God or God to man the only thing that matters is the sovereignty of man.

"It's interesting that a common criticism we get is that our love for God is not "real love" unless it is of the kind favored by free will advocates (free from interference from God). YET, God's mercy towards us somehow still counts as "real mercy" even though their triggering mechanism is ultimately wholly of man! It appears that no matter whether we are talking about man to God or God to man the only thing that matters is the sovereignty of man."

Excellent point, Forest Keeper. It will always circles back around to the sovereignty of man when we do not allow God to be God. Amazing how insidious pride can be and how many forms it takes. Great observation.

So, "mercy" is defined not as giving anyone and everyone who wants it salvation. Rather, "mercy" is God deciding to set some free from the punishment that the rest will not escape. And Paul knows when the Romans understand what he is arguing will say, "Then how can He still find fault, for who escapes His will?" But, the answer is...that is just the way it is.

Very well all of your interpretations of Scripture have finally shown me "What it's all about". Even though I have yearned for a father who would love me, keep me safe, and show me the way, even though my earthly father had abandoned me, it is to no avail, there is no father for the fatherless.

I have reached for just a thread of salvation, but it passes me by

Not having the privilege of being selected, being rejected and used only as an example of every thing wrong in this world has indeed hardened my heart. My destiny is written my misery and despair know no limits, nothing I can do will change my fate.

Like Job I have lost it all, but no hedge protects me neither God or man has any concern for my well deserved fate. Love flees from my grasp, mercy is foreign to me.

Misery

Despair

Rejection

Hopelessness are my fate. But, the answer is...that is just the way it is.