Deliverance

The concept of deliverance in the Bible is deeply rooted in the character and actions of God, who is portrayed as a deliverer of His people. Deliverance refers to the act of being rescued or set free from danger, bondage, or distress. Throughout the Scriptures, God is depicted as the ultimate source of deliverance, intervening in the lives of individuals and nations to bring about salvation and freedom.

One of the most significant examples of God's deliverance is the Exodus, where God rescues the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In Exodus 3:7-8 , God says to Moses, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sufferings. So I have come down to deliver them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey."

The Psalms frequently celebrate God's deliverance. Psalm 34:17 states, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles." This verse underscores the belief that God is attentive to the cries of the righteous and is willing to act on their behalf.

In the New Testament, deliverance is closely associated with the work of Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:13-14 declares, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Here, deliverance is not only from physical or temporal dangers but also from spiritual bondage and sin.

Justice

Justice in the Bible is an attribute of God and a fundamental principle of His kingdom. It involves the fair and equitable treatment of individuals, the upholding of righteousness, and the punishment of wrongdoing. God's justice is portrayed as perfect and impartial, reflecting His holy nature.

The Old Testament law, given to the Israelites, is a reflection of God's justice. 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 emphasizes the importance of justice in maintaining a society that aligns with God's will.

The prophets often called Israel back to justice, condemning the exploitation and oppression of the vulnerable. Micah 6:8 succinctly summarizes God's requirement: "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 God's justice. He challenges the religious leaders of His time for their hypocrisy and failure to uphold true justice. Matthew 23:23 records Jesus saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness."

The ultimate expression of God's justice is seen in the cross of Christ, where God's justice and mercy meet. 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."

God's deliverance and justice are intertwined themes throughout the Bible, revealing His commitment to rescue His people and uphold righteousness. These attributes of God provide hope and assurance to believers, affirming that God is both a Savior and a righteous Judge.