In this life, justice is never certain. But we can always hope in God who says, “Vengeance is mine. I will repay.” A judgment day is coming when everything will be made know, and real justice will prevail. If mankind didn’t believe this, civilization itself would only hold together on a thread. God is the only One who can ensure true justice.
Without God, ethics are meaningless
People everywhere have an instinctive sense of knowing right from wrong and understanding we have a duty to do what we ought to do and keep from doing what we believe is wrong. But what must be true for our ethics to be meaningful?
The German philosopher, Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), gave reasons why there must be a God for ethics to be meaningful. If there is no God, then all things are permissible. Therefore, for civilization to survive, we must live as if there is a God. Without an absolute standard that only God can give, all of our ethics would only reflect the personal preference of those who are in power.
Without true justice, ethics cannot be ultimately meaningful since there would be no reason to seek to be ethical if crime pays and justice doesn’t. So, Kant reasoned what would have to be true for justice to be real.
For justice to prevail there must be life after death
Since it’s obvious that justice doesn’t always prevail in this world, there must be life after death for real justice to be rendered. And for this to happen, there must be a perfect judgment made by a perfect judge who knows all the facts, who is altogether righteous himself, and who has the power to enforce the laws of justice.
These attributes, which describe the perfect judge are the same ones that describe the God of the Bible.
Although Kant’s reasoning doesn’t prove ethics are indeed meaningful, it does show that if they are, a perfect God, who issues ultimate standards of morality and holds people accountable for observing them, must exist for true justice to prevail.
So, if we live suspended between the meaningful and the meaningless, the only existential hope you have is that there is a God who will catch you when you die and jump into the abyss.
The Biblical Revelation About Divine Justice
In a world where justice often seems elusive, the Bible offers a profound perspective: true justice is ensured only by God. This belief is rooted in the understanding of God’s nature as perfectly just, omniscient, and sovereign. Throughout the scriptures, God’s commitment to justice is a recurring theme, providing hope and assurance to believers that ultimate justice will prevail.
– The Nature of God’s Justice
The Bible describes God as inherently just. In Deuteronomy 32:4, it states, “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” This verse underscores the perfection and righteousness of God’s actions, affirming that His justice is not influenced by human biases or limitations.
– Human Justice vs. Divine Justice
Human systems of justice, while necessary, are often flawed due to limited knowledge, prejudice, and corruption. In contrast, God’s justice is perfect because He is omniscient and sees beyond the surface. Proverbs 16:2 reminds us, “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” This highlights that God judges not only actions but also the intentions behind them, ensuring a comprehensive and fair judgment.
– Biblical Examples of God’s Justice
The Bible is replete with examples where God intervenes to establish justice. The story of Joseph, for instance, illustrates how God can turn human injustice into a greater good. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph eventually rises to power in Egypt and saves many from famine, demonstrating God’s ability to bring justice in His own time and way.
Another profound example is the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Despite Pharaoh’s hardened heart and the oppression of the Israelites, God’s justice ultimately prevails, leading to their liberation. This narrative reinforces the belief that God hears the cries of the oppressed and acts in His perfect timing.
– The Role of Jesus Christ
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies God’s justice and mercy. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus addresses the ultimate injustice—sin. Romans 3:25-26 explains, “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness… so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” Here, God’s justice is fulfilled through Christ, offering redemption and reconciliation to humanity.
– Trusting in God’s Justice
For believers, trusting in God’s justice means having faith that He will right all wrongs in His time. Psalm 37:28 assures us, “For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.” This promise encourages believers to live righteously and advocate for justice, knowing that God is the ultimate judge.
In Summary, the biblical perspective that God is the only one who ensures true justice offers comfort and hope in a world fraught with injustice. By understanding and trusting in God’s perfect justice, believers can find peace and assurance that, ultimately, all things will be set right by the One who sees and knows all.
Discover more about God and our relationship to Him
For a listing of other posts about God’s existence and His nature, go to our Posts Directory web page. These posts are listed by major topic for your convenience.
But, if you’re now ready to know what your relationship is before God, Ask yourself two very important questions. First, are you sure that you’ll go to heaven when you die? Secondly, are you certain why God should let you into heaven? If you don’t know for sure, you can settle that matter today. Visit my post, How to Begin Your Life Over Again and you’ll know where and how you’ll spend eternity.
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