Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

"Mercy triumphs over Judgment" 

Glory in this truth revealed! 

Love Incarnate stood the torment; 

Adam's punishment repealed! 

 

"Mercy triumphs over Judgment" 

Hope for mankind, once secured. 

He who knew no sinful nature, 

Wrath for sinners full endured. 

 

O the range of mankind's offense! 

Gross his sins, and sentence sure; 

Holiness required the verdict- 

Death forever; justice pure. 

 

Yet a Perfect Love responded, 

Purposing an ancient plan, 

Fully meeting wrath's requirement, 

While compassion off'ring man. 

 

There from on the Mercy Seat, the 

Son of Righteousness arose; 

Cursed 'came He whose Name is Holy; 

On Him fell our rightful blows. 

 

"Mercy triumphs over Judgment" 

Mankind's sentence now appealed; 

From the holy God offended, 

Righteousness has been revealed! 

 

Glory to the Justifier! 

Praise His great and gracious plan; 

Bless the holy love of God, 

Who gave His Son to ransom Man!

 

 

K. Hartnett, 1998

 

I consider the format of this poem to be somewhat like a musical sonata, with an opening statement followed by a development section and ending with a final, elaborated restatement - a sort of ABA overall design.

 

The poem was inspired by James 2:13 where I believe the Apostle James had the gospel in mind, even though he was addressing our conduct in interpersonal relationships. I remember having writers block for months after writing the first stanza. It just didn't seem to 'go' anywhere.  In the end, it's probably one of the clearest presentations of the gospel I've put in any poem.  I've read it a number of times during our worship services.