God’s mercy
Day 565, Friday, Feb. 27
Romans 9:6-29
One of the sharpest divisions in Christianity—at least in Protestantism—is show in different understandings of what we are reading today.
Protestants agree that humans are saved not through our own efforts, but through God’s mercy. We share the belief that God has been patient so that people might come to salvation, and that his mercy and patience are given at God’s initiative, not because of what we have earned. As God says, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
From that, Paul concludes, “It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” In other words, God is merciful because he chooses to be.
In one strain of Protestantism, called Calvinism (based on John Calvin’s teachings in the 16th century), it is believed that God chooses specific individuals to be saved, and others will be condemned. This can be called specific election. Calvinism is seen today in Presbyterian, Reformed and some Baptist groups.
The other major strain of Protestantism is called Arminianism (based on the teachings of Jacobus Arminius in the 16th century). It teaches that God call all people to salvation, but only those people who accept and believe will be saved. This is sometimes called universal election. It is seen today in Methodist, Pentecostal and some Baptist groups.
While Calvinists will sometimes claim that Arminians base salvation on the “work” of believing, both groups recognize that salvation is solely at God’s initiative.

Friday meditation

Psalms 86:14-17
Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; ruthless people are trying to kill me—they have no regard for you. But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength in behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did. Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Prayer focus
Have mercy on us, God, and grant us your salvation.

-Rev. Mark Fleming