Imagine you were in a courtroom standing before a judge and you are being charged with a crime that carries the death penalty. Every person is born a sinner. The penalty of that sin is eternal death without the atoning sacrifice of Jesus’ blood. Back to the courtroom – the judge reads the verdict and you are declared not guilty. Do you throw yourself on the mercy of the court? Of course not! You only ask for mercy when there is the threat of judgement. It’s the same thing with God – we only need God’s mercy if we are subject to God’s judgement.