TITLE: UNDERSTANDING THE JUDGMENT OF GOD — PART 3
SUB-TITLE: THE MERCY IN THE MIDST OF JUDGMENT
BY: APOSTLE EDWARD FREEDOM
AUGUST 2026 | MONTH OF OPEN DOORS
In Part 1 we saw that Judgment is Justice.
In Part 2 we saw that we are the ones who walk out of God’s presence.
Now in Part 3, we must see this:
Even in Judgment, God’s mercy is shouting louder than His wrath.
Lamentations 3:22-23 “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning.”
God judges not to destroy, but to restore. Hebrews 12:6 “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.”
1. MERCY DOES NOT CANCEL JUDGMENT. IT MEETS US IN IT.
God did not stop the flood in Noah’s day. That was judgment.
But He put Noah and his family in the Ark. That was mercy.
God did not stop Israel from going into Babylon. That was judgment.
But He sent prophets to them in Babylon. That was mercy. Jeremiah 29:10-11
Truth: Judgment removes what is killing us.
Mercy keeps us alive through it, so we can return.
2. THE CROSS: WHERE JUDGMENT AND MERCY KISSED
Psalm 85:10 “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
At the Cross, God did not ignore sin. He judged it.
2 Corinthians 5:21 “He made him to be sin for us...”
But at the same Cross, God showed mercy.
Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
This is the Gospel.
Judgment says: “The wages of sin is death.”
Mercy says: “But the gift of God is eternal life through Christ.”
So no one can say “God is too harsh.”
And no one can say “God does not care about sin.”
At the Cross, both are true.
3. 3 SIGNS THAT GOD’S MERCY IS STILL WORKING IN JUDGMENT
1. THE DOOR IS STILL OPEN
Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”
Even when we walked out, He is still knocking. That is mercy.
2. THE VOICE OF CONVICTION
John 16:8 “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin.”
That guilt you feel is not condemnation. It is mercy calling you back to the presence where there is Fullness of Joy.
3. THE INVITATION TO RETURN
Joel 2:13 “...and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful.”
Judgment says “You are wrong.”
Mercy says “Come back. I will receive you.” Luke 15:20 The father ran to the prodigal.
4. HOW TO POSITION FOR MERCY IN THIS SEASON
This is August — The Month of Open Doors.
Mercy is the key that opens the door.
Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy...”
1. Confess, Don’t Excuse — 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us.”
2. Return in Obedience of Faith — Not just tears. Turn from the sin. Walk back in.
3. Confirm Love to the Weak — 2 Corinthians 2:8. Mercy received must become mercy given.
CONCLUSION
Saints of God, do not be afraid of the Judgment of God.
Be afraid of missing the Mercy of God in the Judgment.
God is not trying to finish you.
He is trying to get you back to the place of Fullness of Joy — His Presence.
Micah 7:18 “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity... he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.”
THE DOOR IS OPEN.
WALK BACK IN.
REPENT AND RETURN.
— Apostle Edward Freedom
#UnderstandingTheJudgmentOfGod #TheMercyInTheMidst #MonthOfOpenDoors
5 BIBLE STUDY / DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
For Church, Cell Groups, and Clergy Meetings
1. Reflection: From Genesis to Revelation, give 2 examples of people who “walked out” of God’s presence. What was the result in their lives? How does this apply to us today?
2. Doctrine: The article says “God does not withdraw His presence, we walk out.” Explain this using Psalm 16:11 and Hebrews 13:5. How does obedience of faith keep us in the “Fullness of Joy”?
3. Personal: In what area of your life have you sensed distance from God? Is it possible that it was a result of walking out through disobedience, compromise, or pride? What is the Holy Spirit saying to you now?
4. Mercy: According to Part 3, what are the 3 signs that God’s mercy is still working even in judgment? Which one spoke to you the most and why?
5. Action: This is the Month of Open Doors. What is one practical step you will take this week to “walk back in” to God’s presence? How can our church “confirm love to the weak” as an act of mercy?
Closing Prayer Point:
Father, forgive us for walking out. Draw us back into Your presence. Let Your mercy triumph over judgment in our lives, homes, and nation. In Jesus name, Amen.
