God’s Thoughts and Ways are Above Ours

John Shower has one main doctrine to expound in this important work: Pardoning mercy is the most valuable mercy. There is no blessedness in this world like knowing we are forgiven. And yet God does not merely pardon; according to the prophet Isaiah, “He will abundantly pardon”(Isa. 55:7). It is in this area that we most see how different God’s ways and thoughts are from ours. While man struggles to forgive, God abundantly pardons! But first the sinner must forsake his ways and thoughts, return to the Lord, and then embrace God’s ways and thoughts, which are higher than the heavens are above the earth—and so is His forgiveness.

Endorsement

“Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48). These four simple words are among the most precious in all Scripture. The gospel extends great hope, for where there is conviction for sin, God promises mercy, where there is weariness for sin, He promises rest, where there is repentance for sin, He promises forgiveness. The good news is that we do not need to earn our way to God because Christ has earned it for us. In the present volume, John Shower takes up this glorious theme, demonstrating that God forgives sinners freely and fully for Christ’s sake. As you read, may your eyes be fixed on Christ, and (as was Shower’s prayer centuries ago) may “God’s mercy, love, and grace overcome your heart.”
—Stephen Yuille, professor of church history and spiritual formation, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Contents

Preface

1. The Text Opened
2. Pardoning Mercy Is the Most Valuable Mercy
3. The Application of the Doctrine
4. Our Confidence in God’s Pardoning Sinners
5. God’s Thoughts and Ways Are Above Ours in Other Respects