Justice

In the biblical context, justice is a fundamental attribute of God's character and a central theme throughout Scripture. It is often associated with righteousness, fairness, and the moral order established by God. The Hebrew word for justice, "mishpat," encompasses a broad range of meanings, including judgment, rights, and rectitude. In the New Testament, the Greek word "dikaiosyne" is often translated as righteousness or justice, emphasizing the moral and ethical dimensions of justice.

The Bible portrays God as the ultimate judge who administers justice with perfect wisdom and impartiality. 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." This verse underscores the divine nature of justice, rooted in God's unchanging character.

Justice is also a key expectation for human conduct. The prophet Micah encapsulates this in Micah 6:8 : "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?" Here, justice is not merely a legalistic requirement but a moral imperative that reflects God's own nature.

The Bible frequently addresses social justice, emphasizing care for the marginalized and oppressed. In Isaiah 1:17 , the call is clear: "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This reflects a divine concern for equity and the protection of those who are vulnerable.

Truth

Truth in the Bible is closely linked to God's nature and His revelation to humanity. The Hebrew word "emet" and the Greek word "aletheia" both convey the idea of faithfulness, reliability, and reality. Truth is not merely factual accuracy but encompasses faithfulness to God's covenant and His revealed word.

God is depicted as the ultimate source of truth. In John 14:6 , Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This statement highlights the personification of truth in Jesus Christ, who embodies divine truth and reveals it to the world.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with truth. In Ephesians 4:25 , believers are exhorted: "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one another." Truthfulness is a reflection of the new life in Christ and is essential for community and relationships.

Truth is also foundational to the gospel message. In John 8:31-32 , Jesus teaches, "If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Here, truth is liberating, offering freedom from sin and deception through adherence to Christ's teachings.

In the biblical worldview, justice and truth are inseparable, both rooted in the character of God and essential for righteous living. They are not merely abstract concepts but are to be actively pursued and embodied by believers, reflecting God's kingdom on earth.