“In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil” (Proverbs 16:6).
The guilt and stain of sin do not go away voluntary or accidentally. The passage of time, for example, will not provide forgiveness. Jehovah’s holiness and righteousness make it categorically impossible for Him to turn a blind eye to human iniquity forever (Hab. 1:13). Plus, human merit cannot counterbalance the weight of a single sin. Therefore, the possibility of atonement is found on a very narrow path.
Without divine mercy and truth, there is no remedy for anyone’s transgressions of God’s will. Without the Lamb God mercifully and lovingly gave for our sins and the divine revelation of truth called the Holy Scriptures, humanity would be forever lost in the abyss of sin’s guilt and shame. Jesus alone is the way, truth, and life humanity needs to be able to come to God (John 14:6). You either obey His gospel or perish.
To depart from evil and enjoy the wondrous salvation found in Christ you must fear God and keep His commandments. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Mat. 7:21).
In mercy and truth God has provide every creature in all nations an avenue of atonement. Those who wisely fear the Lord will leave the path of evil and live victoriously in Christ.
