January 19. The Door of Mercy
J.R. Miller teaches that only through the open door of God's mercy can sinners find true refuge and salvation.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller explores the vital role of God's mercy as the only refuge for sinners. Through a vivid story and biblical reflection, Miller illustrates how holiness, truth, and justice alone cannot grant access to salvation, but mercy opens the door wide to all. Listeners are invited to embrace the tender mercy of God as their eternal shelter and hope.
Text
"The tender mercy of our God." Luke 1:78
What would we ever have done — if God had not been merciful? There could never have been a soul saved in this world.
There is a story of a man who dreams that he is out in an open field in a fierce driving storm. He is wildly seeking a refuge. He sees one gate, over which "Holiness" is written. There seems to be shelter inside, and he knocks. The door is opened by one in white garments; but none but the holy can be admitted, and he is not holy. So he hurries on to seek shelter elsewhere. He sees another gate, and tries that; but "Truth" is inscribed above it, and he is not fit to enter. He hastens to a third, which is the palace of "Justice" — but armed sentinels keep the door, and only the righteous can be received.
At last, when he is almost in despair, he sees a light shining some distance away and hastens toward it. The door stands wide open, and beautiful angels meet him with welcomes of joy. It is the house of "Mercy" — and he is taken in and finds refuge from the storm, and is hospitably entertained.
Not one of us can ever find a refuge at any door, but the door of Mercy. But here the vilest sinner can find eternal shelter; and not mere cold shelter only, for God\
Sermon Outline
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I
- The necessity of mercy for salvation
- The impossibility of entering through Holiness, Truth, or Justice
- The desperation of the sinner seeking refuge
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II
- The open door of Mercy as the only refuge
- The welcoming nature of God's mercy
- Mercy as a shelter from the storms of life
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III
- The inclusiveness of mercy for the vilest sinner
- Mercy offers not just shelter but joyful welcome
- The eternal security found in God's mercy
Key Quotes
“There could never have been a soul saved in this world if God had not been merciful.” — J.R. Miller
“Not one of us can ever find a refuge at any door, but the door of Mercy.” — J.R. Miller
“Here the vilest sinner can find eternal shelter; and not mere cold shelter only.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Recognize that personal holiness or righteousness cannot earn salvation; only God's mercy can.
- Approach God confidently through the open door of mercy, regardless of past failures.
- Find comfort and hope in the assurance that God's mercy offers eternal refuge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of the sermon?
The sermon emphasizes that only through God's mercy can sinners find refuge and salvation.
Why can't sinners enter through Holiness, Truth, or Justice?
Because sinners are not holy, righteous, or fit to enter by their own merit, only mercy offers access.
What does the door of Mercy symbolize?
It symbolizes God's gracious and open invitation to all sinners to find shelter and salvation.
How does the sermon describe God's mercy?
God's mercy is described as tender, welcoming, and able to provide eternal refuge.
Who can find refuge at the door of Mercy?
Every sinner, no matter how vile, can find eternal shelter through God's mercy.