Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature:Injustice refers to the absence of fairness and righteousness, often manifesting as the violation of rights, oppression, and the denial of justice. It is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and societies, leading to suffering and discord. The Bible addresses the concept of injustice extensively, highlighting its origins, manifestations, and the divine response to it. Biblical Origins: The roots of injustice can be traced back to the Fall of Man in Genesis. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin entered the world, bringing with it corruption and moral decay. This original sin disrupted the harmony of creation, leading to various forms of injustice. Genesis 3:17-19 describes the curse upon the ground and the toil that humanity would endure as a result of sin, setting the stage for the struggles and inequities that would follow. Manifestations of Injustice: Throughout the Bible, various forms of injustice are depicted, including oppression, exploitation, and partiality. The prophets frequently condemned the social injustices of their times. For instance, Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This verse underscores the biblical mandate to address and rectify injustice. In the New Testament, James 2:1-4 warns against favoritism, a form of injustice that discriminates against the poor: "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, 'Here is a seat of honor,' but say to the poor man, 'You must stand,' or, 'Sit at my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" Divine Response to Injustice: God's character is inherently just, and He abhors injustice. Psalm 11:7 declares, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face." The Bible assures believers that God will ultimately judge and rectify all wrongs. Ecclesiastes 3:17 states, "I said in my heart, 'God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every activity and every deed.'" The life and teachings of Jesus Christ further illuminate God's stance on injustice. Jesus consistently advocated for the marginalized and challenged the unjust practices of His time. In Luke 4:18-19 , Jesus proclaims His mission: "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." Christian Responsibility: Believers are called to emulate God's justice and righteousness in their lives. Micah 6:8 succinctly captures this calling: "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?" Christians are encouraged to be agents of change, advocating for justice and standing against oppression in all its forms. The early church exemplified this commitment to justice, as seen in Acts 4:32-35 , where believers shared their possessions to ensure that no one among them was in need. This communal approach to justice reflects the transformative power of the Gospel in addressing societal inequities. Eschatological Hope: The Bible offers hope for a future where injustice will be eradicated. Revelation 21:4 promises, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This eschatological vision assures believers that God's ultimate plan includes the restoration of justice and the establishment of His perfect kingdom. Subtopics Injustice of the Least Kind, Condemned Injustice: A Bad Example Leads To Injustice: Covetousness Leads To Injustice: General Scriptures Concerning Injustice: God: Approves not of Injustice: God: Hears the Cry of Those Who Suffer Injustice: God: Provoked to Avenge Injustice: Intemperance Leads To Injustice: Saints should Bear, Patiently Injustice: Saints should Take No Vengeance For Injustice: Saints should Testify Against Injustice: Specially to be Avoided Towards: Servants Injustice: Specially to be Avoided Towards: The Poor Injustice: Specially to be Avoided Towards: The Stranger and Fatherless Injustice: The Wicked: Deal With Injustice: The Wicked: Judge With Injustice: The Wicked: Practise, Without Shame Related Terms |