God's Essence - Justice
God’s justice is His absolute, incorruptible fairness. It is impossible for God to be unfair in the function of divine justice. God is a wise, incorruptible, perfect, and fair judge of mankind. It is impossible for a perfect God to render a bad decision as Judge (Deuteronomy 10:17; Romans 2:11). The justice of God administers the penalties and blessings which are demanded by His perfect righteousness (Deuteronomy 32:4; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Job 37:23; Psalm 19:9, 50:6, 58:11; 89:14; Isaiah 45:21; Jeremiah 50:7; Romans 3:26; Hebrews 10:30-31; 12:23). God’s judgments and penalties are not God getting back at man for sin and evil; rather, they are God’s consistent, unchangeable condemnation and resultant judgment of anything that violates His will.
The greatest demonstration of God’s justice was the cross, where God the Father judged Jesus Christ for the sins of the entire world (Isaiah 53:5, 11; Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 3:18; John 3:16-18; 1 John 2:2). There never has been a sin committed in the history of mankind that was not judged on the Cross. That is why John 3:16 states that anyone who believes in Christ "shall never perish but have eternal life.” Since God is fair, there never has been and never will be a human being who does not have an opportunity to receive eternal salvation. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “He is not willing that any should perish but for all to come to repentance (a change of mind about Christ).” Those who do not believe will face the justice of God at the Great White Throne judgment. They will be judged not for their sins but for their rejection of God’s grace gift of His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:18, 36; Revelation 20:11-12).
Divine justice is the function of eternal God as Judge of mankind, rendering daily decisions in the Supreme Court of Heaven with regard to all members of the human race. Most countries in the world today have a supreme court that is the ultimate authority in deciding legal cases and interpreting the law. In South Africa, it is referred to as the High Court of South Africa. But mankind’s highest court is the Supreme Court of Heaven. Jesus Christ, seated at the right hand of God the Father, is the Supreme Court Judge over all the universe (John 5:22, 27). His courtroom is never closed. His justice is perfect and His judgments are fair. As the Supreme Judge, He deals with evil in the world, sinfulness and injustice in human affairs, the rise and fall of nations, antisemitism, conflicts among believers, satanic accusations against believers, and divine discipline of believers.
When we face injustice or mistreatment, we can take great comfort in knowing that His justice is perfect and fair. He has all the facts and will make rulings and decisions for our benefit. We can leave injustice in His hands (Romans 12:19). Genesis 50:20 tells us, “What man intends for evil against you, God intends for good.” God does not need any help in dealing with the unfairness and injustice that comes our way. Trust His justice!
Memory verse: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7).