God’s Sovereign Mercy and Justice (Chapter 10, Paragraph 5)

“The decree of God concerning the salvation of His elect is made from all eternity…”

This reflects Ephesians 1:4–5—God chose His people before the foundation of the world. His decree is eternal, not based on anything foreseen in man, but grounded in His will and good pleasure.

“…and is based solely upon His sovereign will and grace…”

This excludes human merit or decision. God's choice is not conditioned on foreseen faith or works, but entirely upon His mercy (Rom. 9:15–16).

“…He was pleased to pass by the rest, and to ordain them to dishonor and wrath for their sin…”

This is the doctrine of reprobation—that God passes over some, leaving them in their sin. He does not cause their sin, but ordains to permit it for His just purposes (Rom. 9:22).

“…to the praise of His glorious justice.”

God’s justice is not a blemish on His character, but a perfection. In saving the elect, He magnifies His mercy; in judging the rest, He magnifies His justice. Both display His glory.

This paragraph does not teach that God delights in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 18:23), nor that we should be apathetic about the lost. Instead, it upholds God’s absolute freedom in salvation.

Some may stumble at this doctrine, but it is rooted in the very nature of God as Creator and Judge. He is under no obligation to save, and no sinner receives injustice—only either justice or mercy.

Application for the Believer:

Let this truth drive you to your knees in worship. You are not saved because of your wisdom, background, or will—you are saved because God chose to show you mercy. This should not lead to pride, but deep humility. It should also encourage you: if salvation is God’s work from beginning to end, then it is secure. And as you proclaim the gospel, remember: you are not trying to make salvation possible, but declaring a message through which God calls His people. Be bold, be compassionate, and trust in the One who has mercy on whom He will have mercy.