Topical Encyclopedia
Justice of GodThe justice of God is a fundamental attribute of His divine nature, reflecting His righteousness and moral perfection. In the Scriptures, God's justice is portrayed as an integral part of His character, ensuring that He governs the universe with fairness and equity. The Bible consistently affirms that God is just in all His ways and that His judgments are true and righteous.
The Old Testament frequently highlights God's justice. In
Deuteronomy 32:4, Moses declares, "The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." This verse underscores the perfection and reliability of God's justice, emphasizing that He is incapable of wrongdoing.
The Psalms also celebrate God's justice.
Psalm 89:14 states, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and truth go before You." Here, justice is depicted as foundational to God's rule, intertwined with His love and truth. Similarly,
Psalm 9:7-8 proclaims, "But the LORD abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment. He judges the world with justice; He governs the people with equity."
In the New Testament, God's justice is revealed through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
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." Through Christ's sacrificial death, God upholds His justice while providing a means for sinners to be justified.
Advocacy of GodGod's advocacy is closely related to His justice, as He acts on behalf of His people to defend and vindicate them. The concept of divine advocacy is most clearly seen in the role of Jesus Christ as our advocate and intercessor.
In the New Testament, 1
John 2:1 assures believers, "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." Jesus, as our advocate, pleads on our behalf before the Father, ensuring that our sins are forgiven and that we are reconciled to God.
The advocacy of God is also evident in the work of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:26-27 describes the Spirit's intercessory role: "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." The Holy Spirit advocates for believers, aligning their prayers with God's will and empowering them in their spiritual journey.
God's advocacy is rooted in His covenantal relationship with His people. Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as a defender of the oppressed and a protector of the vulnerable. In
Isaiah 1:17, the prophet exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This call to justice reflects God's own commitment to advocacy and His desire for His people to mirror His character.
In summary, God's justice and advocacy are central themes in the biblical narrative, revealing His unwavering commitment to righteousness and His compassionate defense of His people. Through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, God continues to uphold justice and advocate for those who trust in Him.