Loyalty, Justice, and Mercy in God’s Blueprint

Roy Gane, a scholar in Hebrew and Ancient Near Eastern studies and professor at the Andrews University Seminary, reminds us that the Bible is not just an ancient text but a manufacturer’s handbook—a guide designed to help us understand what God truly desires. In this view, the Scriptures are a roadmap, detailing both the character of our Creator and the path that leads us to a meaningful, transformative relationship with Him.

At the heart of His requirements lies loyalty and relationship. From Genesis to the New Testament, the call is consistent: God desires ongoing loyalty—not a one-time decision, but a lifetime relationship marked by trust, faith, and devotion. Believing in Jesus opens the door to a lasting connection with God—a relationship that grants life in its fullest sense. As believers, our allegiance shifts from seeking help in worldly powers to relying fully on the guidance of our Savior.

Beyond loyalty, God’s blueprint emphasizes the twin pillars of justice and mercy. Scriptures such as Exodus 34:6-7 and Micah 6:6-8 invite us to engage in a love that actively seeks fairness and compassion. Within this framework, justice is not cold or punitive; it is an act of love that, when combined with mercy and humility, fosters deep community bonds and spiritual growth.

Gane discussed a growth mindset within the context of sanctification. This transformation, powered by the Holy Spirit, is an ongoing process that calls for absolute dedication despite the challenges of life. By beholding Christ, the believer is transformed. Sanctification is the process of a lifetime—a promise ultimately fulfilled with crowns atop new, heavenly bodies.

—Benjamin Lawson