Topical Encyclopedia Divine Justice is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's righteous nature and His commitment to uphold moral order. It is the principle by which God administers fairness, rewarding righteousness and punishing wickedness. The concept of divine justice is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness.In the Old Testament, divine justice is often depicted through God's interactions with Israel and the surrounding nations. The Law given to Moses is a foundational expression of God's justice, setting forth commandments and statutes that reflect His holy standards. In Deuteronomy 32:4, God is described as "The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." The prophets frequently called attention to divine justice, warning of judgment against sin and urging repentance. For instance, the prophet Amos declared, "But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" (Amos 5:24). This call emphasizes the necessity of justice in society, mirroring God's own just nature. In the New Testament, divine justice is fulfilled and exemplified in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus satisfies the demands of divine justice, offering redemption and forgiveness to humanity. Romans 3:25-26 explains, "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus." The final judgment, as described in Revelation, is the ultimate expression of divine justice, where God will judge the living and the dead. Revelation 20:12 states, "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books." Memory Memory in the biblical context often refers to the act of remembering God's works, commandments, and promises. It is a vital aspect of faith, serving as a means to recall God's faithfulness and to maintain a covenant relationship with Him. In the Old Testament, memory is frequently associated with the Israelites' obligation to remember God's deliverance and laws. Deuteronomy 6:12 warns, "Be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." This call to remember is not merely intellectual but involves a heartfelt commitment to live in accordance with God's will. The Psalms often reflect on memory as a source of hope and encouragement. Psalm 77:11-12 states, "I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds." Here, memory serves as a spiritual discipline, reinforcing trust in God's past and future faithfulness. In the New Testament, memory is linked to the teachings and works of Jesus Christ. The Last Supper, for instance, is instituted as a memorial of Christ's sacrifice. In Luke 22:19, Jesus instructs, "And He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'" The apostolic writings also emphasize the importance of memory in maintaining doctrinal purity and spiritual vigilance. In 2 Peter 1:12-13, the apostle Peter writes, "Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body." Memory, therefore, is not only a personal exercise but a communal one, as the church collectively remembers and proclaims the mighty acts of God throughout history. |