What are the biblical instances where God's mercy reached its limits?

The Bible presents God’s mercy as vast and enduring, but there are instances where His patience and mercy reach a limit, leading to judgment. Here are some key examples:

1. The Great Flood (Genesis 6-9)

Limit Reached: Humanity became so wicked that “every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time” (Genesis 6:5).
Judgment: God sent a global flood but preserved Noah and his family, showing both judgment and mercy.

2. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18-19)

Limit Reached: The cities were filled with extreme wickedness and sin, and not even ten righteous people could be found (Genesis 18:32).
Judgment: God destroyed the cities with fire but rescued Lot and his family.

3. Pharaoh and the Plagues (Exodus 7-12)

Limit Reached: Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his heart despite witnessing God’s power through Moses.
Judgment: The final plague, the death of the firstborn, forced Pharaoh to let the Israelites go.

4. Israel’s Rebellion in the Wilderness (Numbers 13-14)

Limit Reached: The Israelites refused to trust God after spying out the Promised Land, choosing fear over faith.
Judgment: God sentenced them to wander the wilderness for 40 years, preventing that generation from entering Canaan.

5. King Saul’s Rejection (1 Samuel 15)

Limit Reached: Saul disobeyed God’s commands by sparing King Agag and the best livestock.
Judgment: God rejected Saul as king and anointed David instead.

6. The Babylonian Exile (2 Chronicles 36:15-17)

Limit Reached: Judah repeatedly rejected God’s prophets and continued in idolatry.
Judgment: God allowed Babylon to destroy Jerusalem and take the people into exile.

7. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)

Limit Reached: They lied to the Holy Spirit about their offering.
Judgment: They were struck dead instantly.

8. The Final Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15)

Limit Reached: Those who reject Christ face eternal separation from God.
Judgment: The Great White Throne Judgment results in the lake of fire for those not in the Book of Life.

These instances illustrate that while God is patient and merciful, persistent rebellion and sin can lead to His judgment. However, His grace remains available to those who turn to Him in repentance.