Topical Encyclopedia
Justice of GodThe justice of God is a fundamental attribute of His character, reflecting His righteousness and moral perfection. In the Scriptures, God's justice is portrayed as both retributive and restorative. Retributive justice involves the punishment of sin, while restorative justice seeks to restore and reconcile.
The Bible consistently affirms that God is just in all His ways.
Deuteronomy 32:4 declares, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." This verse underscores the perfection and fairness inherent in God's nature.
God's justice is evident in His dealings with humanity. In
Genesis 18:25, Abraham appeals to God's justice, saying, "Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" This rhetorical question highlights the expectation that God's judgments are always fair and just.
The justice of God is also seen in His laws and commandments, which reflect His holy standards.
Psalm 19:9 states, "The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous." God's laws are designed to promote justice and righteousness among His people.
Deliverance by GodGod's deliverance is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, demonstrating His power and mercy in rescuing His people from danger, oppression, and sin. Deliverance is often portrayed as an act of divine intervention, where God acts on behalf of His people to bring about salvation and freedom.
One of the most significant examples of God's deliverance is the Exodus, where God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
Exodus 14:13-14 records Moses' words to the people: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." This event is a powerful testament to God's ability to save His people against overwhelming odds.
In the New Testament, God's deliverance is ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus delivers believers from the bondage of sin and death.
Colossians 1:13-14 affirms, "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."
God's deliverance is not limited to physical or temporal circumstances but extends to spiritual salvation.
Romans 8:1-2 declares, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death." This deliverance is a gift of grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Interconnection of Justice and DeliveranceThe justice and deliverance of God are intricately connected. God's justice demands that sin be punished, yet His deliverance provides a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him. This is most clearly seen in the atoning work 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."
In summary, God's justice ensures that He is righteous and fair in all His dealings, while His deliverance showcases His power and mercy in saving His people. Together, they reveal the fullness of God's character and His redemptive plan for humanity.