Biblical Answer

The Sovereignty of God's Mercy

God's mercy is an attribute that is exercised sovereignly and optionally. This means that God is not bound to show mercy to anyone, and its exercise is not necessary. The goodness of God is infinite, but the exercise of His goodness may be limited by Himself. This is why we see that God's mercy is not confined to strict limits, but is instead inexhaustible and boundless. It may give more than is due, though never less than is due.

The Boundless Nature of God's Mercy

The boundless nature of God's mercy is seen in the fact that it is not limited to those who are deserving of it. In fact, God's mercy is often shown to those who are least deserving, as seen in the biblical account of salvation. The Bible teaches that God's mercy is His pity to the needy, and it reveals His attitude to those who are in need of a Savior. This is why the Bible says, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy" (Rom. 9:15). The exercise of this attribute depends on divine good pleasure, and it might have existed as an immanent and eternal attribute in God and yet not have been extended to anyone.

The Freedom to Show Mercy

The biblical view of God's mercy is that it is an attribute that is exercised freely and sovereignly. This means that God is not bound by any rules or limitations when it comes to showing mercy. He can choose to show mercy to anyone, at any time, and for any reason. This is why the Bible says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa. 55:8-9). God's mercy is not limited by our understanding or expectations, but is instead a mystery that is beyond human comprehension. This is why we must approach God's mercy with humility and reverence, recognizing that it is a gift that is freely given, and not something that we can earn or deserve.