What is the significance of God's mercy in salvation?

God's mercy is central to the doctrine of sovereign grace. It reveals the heart of God in His willingness to forgive and redeem even the most sinful. Throughout scripture, we see examples of God's mercy, as seen in the case of Nineveh, where the Lord spared the city in response to their repentance. His mercy is not based on human merit or action, highlighting that we cannot earn His favor. Ephesians 2:4-5 states, 'But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ.' This demonstrates that His mercy is freely extended to those whom He chooses, resulting in reconciliation and peace through Christ. It is this mercy that motivates the call to repentance and faith, assuring us of God's readiness to forgive and restore those who turn to Him.