Blasphemy, in biblical terms, refers to the act of showing contempt or lack of reverence for God, His name, or sacred things. It is considered a grave sin throughout the Scriptures, as it directly challenges the holiness and majesty of God. The concept of blasphemy is rooted in the Ten Commandments, where the Third Commandment states, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain" (Exodus 20:7).

In the Old Testament, blasphemy was a capital offense. Leviticus 24:16 prescribes, "Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death. The whole congregation must stone him. Whether an alien or a native, when he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death" . This severe penalty underscores the seriousness with which God views the misuse of His holy name.

The New Testament continues to address blasphemy, emphasizing its spiritual implications. Jesus warns against blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, describing it as an unforgivable sin: "Truly I tell you, all sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of eternal sin" (Mark 3:28-29). This passage highlights the gravity of attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to evil, a deliberate and hardened rejection of God's grace.

Blasphemy is not limited to verbal expressions but can also manifest in actions and attitudes that dishonor God. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, warns against behaviors that can lead to blasphemy, urging believers to live in a manner that upholds the honor of God's name (Romans 2:24, 1 Timothy 6:1).

Justice

Justice, as presented in the Bible, is a fundamental attribute of God's character and a central theme throughout Scripture. It encompasses the concepts of righteousness, fairness, and moral integrity. The Bible portrays God as the ultimate judge who administers justice with perfect wisdom and impartiality. Psalm 89:14 declares, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and truth go before You" .

In the Old Testament, justice is closely linked with the law given to Israel. The Mosaic Law provided a framework for social justice, emphasizing the protection of the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, and foreigners. Deuteronomy 16:20 commands, "Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land the LORD your God is giving you" . This directive underscores the importance of justice in maintaining a society that reflects God's righteousness.

The prophets frequently called Israel back to the principles of justice, condemning the exploitation and oppression of the poor and marginalized. Micah 6:8 encapsulates the prophetic call to justice: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" .

In the New Testament, Jesus embodies and teaches justice, emphasizing the spirit of the law over mere legalistic observance. He challenges the religious leaders of His time for neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). The early church continued this emphasis, advocating for equitable treatment and care for all members of the community, as seen in the distribution of resources in Acts 4:32-35.

Justice, in the biblical sense, is not merely punitive but restorative, aiming to bring about reconciliation and peace. It reflects God's desire for a world where His righteousness prevails, and His people live in harmony with one another and with Him.