Final answer:
Puritans view God's mercy as a source of salvation and grace, believing in the concept of predestination, where God chooses certain individuals for salvation based on His mercy and not on human merit.
Step-by-step explanation:
Puritans held a distinctive theological perspective on God's mercy, deeply rooted in their interpretation of Calvinistic doctrines. At the core of their beliefs was the concept of predestination, which posits that before the foundation of the world, God elected certain individuals for salvation, not based on their actions or merits but solely on His mercy and divine will. This view emphasizes the inherent unworthiness of humanity and the absolute sovereignty of God in determining the destiny of souls.
In Puritan theology, God's mercy was considered a fundamental aspect of the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people. They saw God's mercy as the catalyst for salvation, a gracious act extended to the elect despite their sinful nature. This perspective fueled a profound sense of humility and dependence on God's grace within Puritan communities.
The Puritans, in their pursuit of a righteous and godly life, sought evidence of God's mercy in their personal experiences and the events of their lives. They believed that the elect would manifest signs of God's favor and mercy, further reinforcing their assurance of salvation. This understanding of God's mercy played a pivotal role in shaping the Puritan worldview and influencing their ethical and religious practices.
In summary, the Puritans perceived God's mercy as the driving force behind salvation, intimately connected to the doctrine of predestination. This theological framework underscored their humility, reliance on divine grace, and the conviction that God's mercy, not human effort, determined the eternal destiny of individuals.