“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” Titus 3:4-5
He is just AND He is love. These unchangeable facts about God’s nature lead to this unchangeable reality: God has mercy toward sinners. He comes looking for them. He takes all the initiative to reconcile with them. He goes after the lost sheep. He waits expectantly for the prodigal to come home. He becomes flesh and dwells among us. He judges our sin in Jesus the righteous substitute. He offers salvation because of his MERCY! Mercy moves the unchanging God to save us. There is no other reason.
It is not because of righteousness. If it were, no one would qualify. We can be good, at least better than most, but not righteous. It is not because he sees potential. People with great potential usually believe they don’t need him. It is not because we are clean enough, smart enough, kind enough, penitent enough.
We are not enough. We need mercy. And praise God, there is mercy enough.