The Unshakable Hope of Justice

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice…(Acts 17:31, NIV

Key Point: Biblical justice is concerned with the temporal.

a. Biblical justice is generous.

They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.(Acts 2:45, NIV)

b. Biblical justice sees all humans as equal.

God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.(Gen 1:27, NIV) 

c. Biblical justice cares for the poor.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…(James 1:27, NIV)  

…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.(Matthew 25:40, NIV)

Key Point: Biblical justice is concerned with the eternal.

…has set a day when he will judge the world with justice…(Acts 17:31, NIV) 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.(2 Corinthians 5:10, NIV)

11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. (Revelation 20:11-12, NIV) 

a. Biblical justice brings a pardon for God’s people.

…we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…(2 Corinthians 5:10a, NIV) 

…God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ…. (Romans 2:16, NIV) 

b. Biblical justice brings praise for our service.

He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.(1 Corinthians 4:5, NIV)

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. (Hebrews 6:10, NIV)

Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. (Matthew 25:23, NIV)

c. Biblical justice honors the wishes of the wicked.

21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. (Romans 1:21-23, NIV)

Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matthew 25:41, NIV)

Key Point: Biblical justice requires our participation.

…what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8, NIV)