Justice Of God Series

Justice of God

Our God is a just God

Deuteronomy 32:4 (NIV) He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

Isaiah 45:21 (KJV) Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just (NIV righteous) God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.

Clarification : Just or righteous?

The same Hebrew word is sometimes translated righteous or just depending on the version of the Bible. However, both righteous and just sometimes mean the same. When some verses say that God is righteous, it may not be referring to God=s holiness, but rather to the fact that God is right in his dealings (in other words, fair).

What do we mean when we say that God is just?

1. His dealings with men are fair. Everybody gets what he deserves. The upright will be rewarded and the sinner will be punished.

Rom 2:5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 God "will give to each person according to what he has done."

Galatians 6:7 8 (NIV) Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Zep 3:5 The LORD within her is righteous (KJV just) ; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame.

Objection : Why are there so many sinful people in the world who are so successful while the righteous ones are afflicted?

Jer 12:1 You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?

Psa 37:35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil, 36 but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.

God=s mercy can cause Him to continue to tolerate sinful people and appear to be slow in executing His justice......

Rom 2:4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

2 Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

.....but God=s judgements are unavoidable

1 Kings 22:34 (NIV) But someone drew his bow at random and hit the king of Israel between the sections of his armour. The king told his chariot driver, "Wheel around and get me out of the fighting. I've been wounded."

King Ahab wanted to escape God=s judgement which came in the form of King Aram sending his army to kill him. Ahab disguised himself and even had Aram=s men chase the wrong person. But God=s judgement cannot be foiled. The verse emphasised that a random arrow (one which is not even aiming at him) got him between the sections of the armour (even the armour cannot protect him).

Implications : We do not take matters into our own hands but instead appeal to the Lord for justice

Luke 18:7 (NIV) And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?

Deu 32:35 It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them."

Luke 18:7 8 (NIV) And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Prov 29:26 Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice.

Objection : Why does God punish someone for another person=s sin?

Exodus 20:5 (NIV) You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,