Topical Encyclopedia Injustice, a pervasive theme throughout the Bible, is a condition where fairness and righteousness are absent, leading to the oppression and suffering of individuals or groups. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts and teachings that address the presence of injustice in the world, its origins, and the divine response to it.Biblical Understanding of Injustice The Bible portrays injustice as a deviation from God's perfect order and righteousness. Injustice arises from sin, which entered the world through Adam and Eve's disobedience (Genesis 3). This original sin disrupted the harmony of creation, leading to a world where injustice could thrive. The prophet Isaiah laments, "Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands at a distance; for truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter" (Isaiah 59:14). Old Testament Examples The Old Testament is replete with examples of injustice. The account of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4) illustrates the first act of human injustice, where jealousy led to murder. The oppression of the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 1) is another significant example, where Pharaoh's harsh treatment of the Hebrews exemplifies systemic injustice. The prophets frequently condemned the social injustices of their times. Amos, for instance, decried the exploitation of the poor and the perversion of justice: "For I know your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous, taking bribes and depriving the poor of justice at the gates" (Amos 5:12). New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies God's response to injustice. His ministry was marked by a profound concern for the marginalized and oppressed. Jesus proclaimed, "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" (Luke 4:18). Through His teachings, parables, and actions, Jesus highlighted the importance of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). The apostles continued this emphasis. James, for example, admonished believers to practice impartiality and to care for the needy: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and undefiled is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27). Divine Justice and Human Responsibility The Bible assures believers that God is a God of justice. Psalm 9:7-8 declares, "But the LORD abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment. He judges the world with justice; He governs the people with equity" . While divine justice is certain, humans are called to act justly and to be agents of God's justice in the world. Micah 6:8 succinctly states this responsibility: "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?" . The Hope of Ultimate Justice The Bible promises that ultimate justice will be realized in God's eschatological plan. Revelation 21:4 offers hope for a future where injustice will be eradicated: "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 assurance encourages believers to persevere in the face of injustice, trusting in God's sovereign plan and righteous judgment. 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 |