The Goodness of God: His Justice
I demand Justice. Best let God do it!
Scripture makes clear that sin has definite consequences, which must eventually come to pass, whether sooner or later. In Genesis 2:17 we read God's warning to Adam and Eve: "You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."
Similar warnings recur throughout Scripture, including Paul's statement that "the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23). The justice of God means that he administers his law fairly, not showing favoritism or partiality. Only a person's acts, not his or her station in life, are considered in the assignment of consequences or rewards. At times, however, the rule of God does not appear to be just. Those who lead sinful lives are not always punished, and the righteous frequently seem to go unrewarded. Psalm 73 reflects on the apparent prosperity of the wicked. They are healthy and seemingly free from the troubles that other people experience. This observation is frequently ours as well. In the past, we often heard the slogan "crime does not pay." Crime, however, frequently does pay, and sometimes quite handsomely! Leaders in organized crime often accumulate huge amounts of earthly wealth, and maybe healthy as well, while some very virtuous believers may experience poverty, ill health, or the tragic death of loved ones. And this apparent inequity may go on for years. How can a just God allow this? It will be helpful for us to note what the psalmist discovered. When he went into the sanctuary of God, he perceived the end of the wicked. He saw that they would ultimately be destroyed (Ps. 73:17-20, 27). He himself, on the other hand, would be guided by God's counsel and would eventually be received to glory (v. 24). The justice of God must not be evaluated on a short-term basis. Within this life, it will often be incomplete or imperfect, but there is a life beyond, in which God's justice will be complete.7 As was the case regarding holiness, God expects his followers to emulate his righteousness and justice. We are to adopt as our standard his law and precepts. We are to treat others fairly and justly (Amos 5:15, 24; James 2:9) because that is what God himself does. If ya get a chance, look up the verses! It will bless ya!
Love to all in Christ,
Pastor Mike
(602) 510-5563
