How does grace allow God to show mercy instead of wrath?
Grace is that unmerited favor of God which makes the pouring out of His mercy possible. Since mankind does not deserve mercy, grace is what allows God to show mercy rather than wrath and judgment. By grace He can save and pour out mercy instead of sending sinners to eternal doom.
Les explains that grace is that attribute of God, His unmerited favor, which makes the pouring out of His mercy possible. Because mankind does not deserve mercy, if it were not for the grace of God He could never pour out mercy on mankind. Grace is therefore what makes it possible for God to show mercy rather than wrath and judgment. Les illustrates this with Paul: as a persecutor and raging religious zealot who hated the name of Jesus of Nazareth, Paul could have been zapped or sent off the scene to eternal doom, but grace permitted God to save him and pour out mercy. Les also recalls Israel’s golden calf incident: God could have justly wiped Israel out, but He declared He would have compassion and mercy on whom He will, because He is sovereign.