In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD [one] departs from evil. Proverbs 16:6 (NKJV)
The Hebrew word for Mercy here is “Chesed” and means God’s loyal, covenant love. Truth is God’s faithfulness. Both words describe God’s character. God is love and He has by covenant bound Himself to us forever. He is faithful, He never changes in who He is and what He sets out to do. Atonement is the means of making payment for, correcting and getting rid of sin and it’s consequences. It’s God’s loyal covenant love and faithfulness that provides forgiveness, deliverance and freedom from sin. God’s Mercy and Truth are fully revealed in Jesus Christ – John 1:17. On the Cross in Jesus Christ, God unveiled both His Mercy and Truth. He showed that He is just by condemning our sin in the body of Christ – Romans 8:3. He showed that He is Merciful by granting us forgiveness, redemption and life – Ephesians 1:7 Receiving God’s Mercy and truth is receiving forgiveness and freedom. When we have truly known and received Mercy and Truth we will show it to others – Matthew 18:21-35.