The Mercy of God

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”—Titus 3:5 NIV

John Bunyan was arrested for preaching the Gospel. Today, we admire him for his novel Pilgrim’s Progress, which is an allegory based on his spiritual journey. But this might not have been possible had he not been arrested.

This happened in 1660 when he was 32. Bunyan was told that if he apologized and stopped preaching, he would be released. But he said he could not stop proclaiming what Jesus had done for him. As a result, he spent 12 years in prison.

His time in prison was not wasted. He wrote several tracts and books, including Pilgrim’s Progress and Grace Abounding, which describe his personal struggles with sin. As he sought God, the verse from Titus “came with great power upon [his] spirit.” From the perspective of prison, Bunyan could see the work God had done in his life.

It was wonderful to depend on God. He wrote, “I saw myself within the arms of grace and mercy.” This revelation swept throughout his life. He also realized that if we trust God, we have nothing to fear and so much to look forward to. “This life is but a slumber in comparison to that above.”

You are saved not because of anything you have done. Simply accept the finished work of Jesus. He died so that you might be forgiven and made clean. God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. Trust Him.

Reflection Question: How can you make the best use of your time?