We discuss the differences between mercy and grace. Mercy is with-holding what we deserve and grace is getting what we do not deserve. Because God is holy, He is the only one who can act in complete justice in these areas. Forgiveness is the key ingredient in any relationship. As Christians, we operate in horizontal and vertical forgiveness. Horizontal forgiveness is towards and from other people, and vertical forgiveness is how we receive forgiveness from God. We also talk about the fulfillment of the New Testament and Christ in the area of forgiveness. Instead of the Mosaic Law in the Old Testament which shed blood sacrificially in the temple/tabernacle at certain times and under certain circumstances; Jesus' death has forever forgiven our sin and there is no need for continual blood sacrifice. While we don't have to ask for daily justification, we do need to seek forgiveness to restore our fellowship with God after we have sinned.
