A Pastoral Concern: Upholding both Divine Law and Divine Mercy

The pastors in our conference have had several conversations with each other over the past few years about teaching God's word faithfully.  The struggle comes as we strive to faithfully uphold what God's Law says and yet to still graciously extend God's mercy to sinners.  Which one do sinners need to hear?  The general answer is both.  The specific answer has to do with the individual sinner.  Is the sinner grieved and terrified over his sin, or is the sinner defensive of his sin?  The former should hear God's mercy; the latter needs to hear God's Law.  

That sounds simple enough.  Unfortunately, as the pastor preaches God's word, they way each sinner hears it differs.  Those who are burdened by the guilt of their sins might only hear God's Law and be further crushed by guilt.  Those who are embracing their sins might only listen to the part about God's love and conclude that God would never condemn them for their sins.  The pastor, of course, has no idea how each one hears God's word.  The only way he can know is if the sinner comes to him to discuss (or confess) this. 

The great concern, then, occurs over those who grieve over their sins.  Will they come to the pastor at all?  Will they avoid the pastor for fear of having their sins rubbed in their face?  Is the reputation of the Church that it only rails against sinners and piles on guilt higher and higher?  If that is the case, it is no wonder people would not want to come and confess their sins.

Pastors have no right to bend God's word to accommodate anyone.  If a pastor perverts God's word, he himself falls under God's judgment.  He earns double judgment--both for being unfaithful to his calling and for presenting a perverted word to their listeners which could result in loss of faith.  If a pastor is faithful to his calling, he will proclaim God's Law in order for God's people to be warned against yielding to temptation.  But pastors also know that people will fall into sin--perhaps in weakness, perhaps by choice.   

So, how does a pastor establish the reputation that he will not bend on God's Law but will still demonstrate mercy and compassion for people who have broken God's Law or are struggling with temptations?  It seems that he can only do one or the other.

The following principles should be kept in mind by God's people, and they should be applied faithfully by God's pastors.

>   Everyone is a sinner.  No one escapes guilt, regret, and the judgment that we've earned.  The pastor is himself a sinner.  That should be enough for the pastor to have compassion on other sinners.

>  God's Law is eternal and unchanging.  We do not get relief for our consciences by suggesting that God's word does not matter.  We don't erase sins by saying they are no longer sins.  We are not excused of our sins when we defend them.

>  Temptations are common and afflict everyone.  Not everyone is tempted the same.  Some struggle with temptations that are unattractive to others.  Nevertheless, no one is unique in his temptations.  They are common to all mankind.

>  Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.  If you are a sinner, Jesus came for you.

>  The Church has been established by Jesus to declare forgiveness and salvation to sinners.  The pastors of the Church are called to absolve the penitent and to comfort the fearful conscience.

>  One who struggles with sin is not outside of the Church.  A weak faith is still faith.  Whoever struggles against sin and temptation demonstrates that he still has faith.  The struggle is evidence that the penitent still desires to continue in God-pleasing behavior.  Such a person should expect to find comfort and encouragement from his pastor.

>  One who embraces his sins does not struggle against them, although he may want approval of them.  Approval, however, is not forgiveness.  Such a person should be told what God's Law is.  God never approves of sins.  He who insists his actions do not need to be forgiven will receive no forgiveness or mercy.  This accords with his own confession about his actions.

These principles should be upheld at all times.  The greater emphasis should be on divine mercy.  The guilt-stricken are usually fearful of admitting their guilt.  It seems better to hide one's shame than to confess one's sins because we are always concerned what other people think of us.  However, the penitent should find that his pastor demonstrates patience and mercy when the penitent comes to acknowledge his sin.  The penitent is already aware of the divine law and is terrified by it.  Therefore, he needs divine mercy, and it will be proclaimed and applied.