Topical Bible: Character of Saints: Just

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The concept of justice is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative and is a defining characteristic of the saints, those who are set apart for God's purposes. In the Bible, the term "just" is often synonymous with righteousness, integrity, and uprightness. The saints, as God's chosen people, are called to embody these attributes in their lives, reflecting the character of God Himself.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently describes God as just, and His justice is a central theme throughout Scripture. 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 divine attribute sets the standard for the behavior of the saints, who are called to emulate God's justice in their own lives.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the concept of justice is closely linked with the law given to Israel. The law provided a framework for living justly, emphasizing fairness, honesty, and impartiality. Leviticus 19:15 instructs, "You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly."

The patriarch Abraham is often cited as an exemplar of justice. In Genesis 18:19, God says of Abraham, "For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what He has promised him."

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, the call to be just is reiterated and expanded upon. Jesus Christ, the ultimate model of justice, taught His followers to pursue righteousness and justice in their interactions with others. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declares, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6).

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of justice in the life of a believer. In Romans 1:17, he writes, "For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" Here, Paul connects faith with living a just and righteous life, underscoring that true justice is rooted in a relationship with God.

Practical Implications

The character of being just is not merely an abstract ideal but has practical implications for the daily lives of the saints. It involves treating others with fairness, honesty, and respect, and standing up for what is right, even when it is unpopular or difficult. Proverbs 21:3 states, "To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice."

The saints are called to be advocates for justice in their communities, reflecting God's heart for the oppressed and marginalized. Micah 6:8 encapsulates 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?"

Conclusion

The character of being just is a vital aspect of the identity of the saints. It is a reflection of God's own nature and a testament to the transformative power of His grace in the lives of believers. Through the pursuit of justice, the saints bear witness to the kingdom of God and His righteousness in a world that is often marked by injustice and inequity.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 6:9
These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
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Habakkuk 2:4
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
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Luke 2:25
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was on him.
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Library

A Tribute from Enemies
... middle of these there grew up that fair flower of a character, pure and ... Caesar's
household, and depend upon it, they were more saintly saints just because they ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a tribute from enemies.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... as much, as if no revelation of certainty had been made; just as Paul ... that in their
view accords with the Bible description of the character of the saints. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

Christ's Millennial and Heavenly Glory in Company with his Saints.
... to Christ and His church, and to the character and fruits ... been provided by God for
receiving the saints on their ... despised or lost; since it is both just and God ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxv christs millennial and heavenly.htm

God's Inheritance in the Saints
... Assimilation to His character makes us own and have Him ... the glory of His inheritance
in the saints.' Now, turn that into other words, and it is just this, that ...
/.../gods inheritance in the saints.htm

How Saints May Help the Devil
... He could find no fault with Job whatever, his character was untainted and unblemished;
but, says he, "he ... Why, just look at these saints:"a drivelling set ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... this certainty is revealed to them, there is just as much ... of a new nature, instead
of a new character, I admit ... infer the final salvation of the saints from the ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlvii perseverance of saints.htm

Saints and Faithful
... The saints are saints because they are first of ... of the loftiest elevation and attainment
of the Christian character. ... makes of it here is just this"everything ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/saints and faithful.htm

2 Cor. Iv. 1, 2
... nothing,, but they took and kept it secret; they had the character of saints and
approved ... 599] , affirm that this is said of the Creator, the just only, and ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily viii 2 cor iv.htm

All Saints' Day
... we grow like them, by the grace of God, just so far ... understand the bliss of that
everlasting All Saints' Day which ... and the utterly good in the character of God ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon i all saints day.htm

Making Friends of Mammon
... Just such a material is the modern world ... And here is the real test of Christian
character. The saints of the past have been for the most part men who fled from ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/lviii making friends of mammon.htm