Justice Honored

It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)

All of us will eventually face judgment before a holy and just God. As we think of that inevitable day, do we want to see justice done, or mercy? Except for the most arrogantly self-righteous among us, we would all hope for mercy. Here, however, is our dilemma: God’s justice is certain, and it is inflexible. Paul says in 2 Thessalonians 1:6–8, “God is just: He will pay back.… He will punish those who do not know God” (niv). And in Romans 12:19: “ ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (niv). Though often delayed, God’s justice is nonetheless certain. Justice may be defined as rendering to everyone according to one’s due. Justice means getting exactly what we deserve—nothing more, nothing less. In our human experience a tension often exists between justice and mercy. Sometimes one prevails at the expense of the other. But with God, justice always prevails. His justice must be satisfied; otherwise His moral government would be undermined. God does not exalt His mercy at the expense of His justice. And in order to maintain His justice, all sin without exception must be punished. Contrary to popular opinion, with God there’s no such thing as mere forgiveness. There is only justice. The death of Jesus was a complete and full satisfaction of divine justice for all who trust in Him. At the cross there’s no tension between justice and mercy; instead, they meet in full harmony. While mercy has full expression, justice has been honored and magnified. It has exacted its penalty and been completely satisfied. Therefore, as believers we can rejoice in the abundant mercy of God through Christ, while also fully honoring the inviolate nature of His holy justice.