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By Pastor Ramil Engle | August 29, 2025
In the Bible, one of the clearest truths revealed about salvation is this: it depends not on human effort, but on the sovereign mercy of God. The Apostle Paul writes,
“Sapagkat sinasabi niya kay Moises, Ako’y maaawa sa aking kaaawaan, at ako’y mahahabag sa aking kahahabagan. Kaya nga hindi sa may ibig, ni hindi sa tumatakbo, kundi sa Diyos na naaawa.” — Roma 9:15–16
This passage reminds us that God’s choice of whom to show mercy is grounded not in our works, but in His divine will and purpose.
🏛 An Illustration from Government Clemency
In government, the President holds the power of executive clemency — the authority to pardon or reduce the sentence of a prisoner. While the Board of Pardons and Parole may recommend candidates, the final decision lies in the discretion of the President. Even if a prisoner is not “qualified” by normal standards, the President may still extend mercy. No court can overturn this decision.
Likewise, when it comes to salvation, God’s mercy is His prerogative alone. We do not earn His favor by being good, religious, or moral. Instead, His mercy flows from His sovereign will.
📖 The Doctrine of Election
The doctrine of election teaches that:
- God chose His people before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4–5).
- His choice was not based on human merit but on His grace (Romans 9:11).
- Those whom He chose, He will surely call, justify, and glorify (Romans 8:30).
Election humbles us, because it reminds us that we contribute nothing to our salvation. At the same time, it gives us assurance, because God’s choice cannot be overturned. If His clemency is final, how much more His eternal decree of salvation?
🙇 Pagninilay para sa Araw na Ito
- Ako ba’y nagtitiwala sa biyaya at awa ng Diyos, at hindi sa sarili kong mabubuting gawa?
- Nakikita ko ba ang kalayaan ng Diyos sa pagpili bilang dahilan ng aking pasasalamat at hindi ng pagmamataas?
- Paano ko maipapakita sa iba ang parehong awa at biyaya na tinanggap ko mula sa Diyos?
🛐 Panalangin
“Amang Makapangyarihan, salamat po sa Iyong walang hanggang biyaya. Hindi ako karapat-dapat, ngunit pinili Mo akong mahalin at iligtas. Tulungan Mo akong mamuhay nang may pagpapakumbaba at pasasalamat, at ipakita sa iba ang awa na una Mong ipinakita sa akin. Sa pangalan ni Cristo Jesus. Amen.”
✝️ Conclusion
God’s mercy is sovereign, free, and unstoppable. Just as no human authority can reverse a presidential pardon, no power in heaven or on earth can undo the saving grace of God.
“Ako’y maaawa sa aking kaaawaan, at ako’y mahahabag sa aking kahahabagan.” — Roma 9:15
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