How can God show mercy to sinners?

God's ability to show mercy hinges on the sacrificial work of Christ, who absorbs the wrath intended for sinners. Exodus 34 emphasizes that God will not clear the guilty, and as such, true mercy must be obtained. Through Christ's sacrifice, God can justly extend mercy because the penalty for sin has been duly paid. This perfect justice combined with perfect mercy is what makes the gospel of grace so essential; it reveals how Christians can be justified yet still receive God's mercy and forgiveness, fulfilling the requirements of His law.