Introduction: The Book of Jude has to do mainly with resisting false teachers. But at the end of the book Jude joyfully takes up matters of practical Christian living: Praying in the Holy Spirit, keeping ourselves in the love of God, and now: "looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ."

I. "Mercy" means "forgiveness of sin." It is similar to "grace" and has to do with salvation. See Ephesians 2:4-9. When you stand at Heaven's gate, and the Lord asks "Why should I let you in?" Never respond by saying "I just want my fair share. I just want what's coming to me." None of us has a fair share in Heaven, none of us merits salvation. God forgives us out of MERCY, and graciously gives us salvation.

II. The human race stands in desparate need of forgiveness. Every day we hear of some new atrocity: Grown men taking hostages and murdering strangers. Six year boys taking guns to school and shooting little six year old classmates. Rape and war, pillage and plunder, a never-ending account in the newspapers and on television. The news commentators constantly ask "Why?" The Bible tells us why: We are sinful people who belong to a fallen race (see Romans 3:9-18). We have not each of us done all these things, but the sinful seed lies there in every heart. Jesus said that anger is the root of murder, and we have all been angry. Jesus said that to lust after a woman in your heart was the equivalent of committing adultery. None of us should try to excuse ourselves. We are all sinners, and we need the mercy of God.

III. God grants forgiveness by grace, in mercy, to those who repent and believe. God delights in being merciful: Micah 7:18

"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy."

"Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?"

IV. God does not give forgiveness and mercy to those who refuse to repent and believe. God does not forgive everyone. Universalism is not a true doctrine. See Matthew 25:31-41. Forgiveness and mercy is only given to those who repent and turn to Christ. Otherwise there is just a fearful looking for judgment (Hebrews 10:26-31).

Conclusion: If you have repented of your sins, and believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, God has extended mercy and grace to you. Your sins have been forgiven. You are walking with the Lord. God will bless you for all eternity. But, if you have refused to repent, if you have rejected Jesus, then there is no mercy and no forgiveness. Don't be one of the goats that gets separated out from the sheep and marked for judgment. Repent and receive Jesus today.