Grace and Mercy, The Christ, Pet Heaven by Pastor Walter Snyder Q: I would like a to have a better understanding of the word of God. I need to grow more in the Lord. I would like you to define the difference between ~grace~ and ~mercy~ for me. A: Both of these words are packed with meaning. Translating from the original languages challenges the Bible scholar because exact equivalents of the Hebrew and Greek don't always exist. Like the English word "love," much can be said when using these words. This seems especially so when translating the Old Testament. The same word regularly rendered as "mercy" in the Authorized (King James) Version becomes steadfast "love," "loving kindness," and "love" (among other words) in the hands of translators. "Grace" involves divine love and favor. It's God's attitude toward the weak and the sinful. Although Scripture sometimes talks of people "filled" with grace, more frequently God ~shows~ grace or acts graciously. Mercy might be considered as "grace in action." Grace sees a need (forgiveness, restoration, life) and exercises mercy toward the one in need. Thus, these two weave together throughout God's treatment of us. The ultimate expression of grace and mercy is in Jesus Christ. The Father saw our need and sent the Son. The ultimate human reaction to grace is faith, which trusts God to always be gracious. The prayer, "God be merciful to me a sinner," is faith's cry to a gracious God to aid us in our weakness. Q: A question came up with some friends as we were discussing Mel Gibson's movie. Why does he (and other people) refer to ~the~ Christ, instead of just Christ? Thank you. A: ~Jesus~ (~Joshua~ or ~Yeshua~) is His name. It means, "He saves." ~Christ~ is a title, the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew ~Messiah~, both of which mean "anointed." Israel's kings and priests were all "christs" or "messiahs" because all were anointed. However, God promised ~The~ Anointed One who would forgive all and rule for all time and for eternity. As Peter confessed in Matthew 16:16, the Church continues to say: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Q: My wife and I are Evangelical Christians who love the Lord! Our beloved dog, Rocky, died after almost 12 years with us. He was diagnosed last September with cancer, and given 3-5 days to live. Through God's answer to our prayers, Rocky lived until last week. Will we see him in heaven? What does the Bible say about this? A: As one who's buried several beloved pets, my heart goes out to you. Yet contrary to the movie of a few years ago, we cannot say that ~All Dogs Go to Heaven~. We know that humans are the only creatures on earth who were made in the image of God. This sets us apart from the animals more than logic, planning for the future, or anything else that behavioral scientists and biologists might indicate. Heaven may have animals. We do know that a new heaven and a new earth will be established. How they'll be populated (except for God, the heavenly beings, and the redeemed by Christ) we aren't told. Perhaps animals, while they glorify God by their very existence on earth, will pass away at the end of time. Pets may be part of God's providence to a world filled with sin and sorrow. Pets are usually good for us. They provide companionship for people who feel lonely or alienated. Their mere presence around the sick and the elderly helps to ease physical and emotional symptoms. Spending a few minutes each day petting a dog or cat can dramatically lower blood pressure. Pets help parents teach children responsibility. Much of what we assume as "normal" is not forever, or even truly normal and natural. Death itself was an intruder brought into our world by sin. Even marriage, which God instituted and blessed, and which is the greatest and best of human relationships on earth, is only "until death do us part." Jesus told the Sadducees, "In the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. (Matthew 22:30)" So also it may be with other earthly relationships. What truly matters is our relationship in faith with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Heaven and earth can pass away. We might forget everyone and everything we knew on earth. We'll still know no loss, because what is gained is an eternity with the God who loves us, who has made us his own forever. Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from ~The Holy Bible, English Standard Version~, © 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Ask the Pastor, © 2004 by Walter P. Snyder. It may be reproduced in totality, including this disclaimer, by anyone, provided that no profit is generated by said republication and redistribution. Translations into other languages should similarly note the United States and any appropriate international copyrights, as well as God's Scriptural injunctions concerning the property of others. Walter Snyder is the pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma, Missouri and coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe."