"For God has shut up all in disobedience that He might show mercy to all."

-Romans 11:32

Because all men are sinners and therefore disobedient to the Word of God, it is as if God has placed all men in prison with no way to escape or gain freedom on their own. There are no exceptions, for “the Scripture has shut up all men under sin.” Is there a way out? Not of our own doing. The answer is found in the mercy of God. In mercy, God withholds that which we deserve. Having chosen to sin, we deserve the enslavement to sin and to suffer the consequences of sin. “But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy…” When one comes to Christ in saving faith, by His mercy, he is set free from the imprisonment of sin, now and forever. “… The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” Be encouraged!

References: Romans 11:32; Galatians 3:22; Titus 3:4, 5; Exodus 34:6 KJV