Topical Encyclopedia
Justice of GodThe justice of God is a fundamental attribute that underscores His moral perfection and righteousness. It is the principle by which God administers His creation, ensuring that righteousness is upheld and sin is punished. God's justice is impartial and unwavering, reflecting His perfect nature. In
Deuteronomy 32:4, the Bible declares, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He."
God's justice is evident throughout Scripture, where He is portrayed as the ultimate judge who rewards righteousness and punishes wickedness. In
Psalm 9:7-8, it is written, "But the LORD abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment. He judges the world with justice; He governs the people with equity." This passage highlights God's role as the sovereign judge who governs with fairness and equity.
The justice of God is also demonstrated in His dealings with nations and individuals. In the prophetic writings, God often pronounces judgment on nations for their sins, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Isaiah 61:8 states, "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing; in My faithfulness I will give them their recompense and make an everlasting covenant with them."
God's justice is not only punitive but also redemptive. Through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, God's justice and mercy converge.
Romans 3:25-26 explains, "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus." Here, God's justice is satisfied through the atonement, allowing Him to justify sinners who place their faith in Christ.
Holiness of GodThe holiness of God is a central theme in the Bible, emphasizing His absolute purity, separateness, and transcendence. God's holiness is intrinsic to His being, setting Him apart from all creation. In
Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory." This thrice-repeated declaration underscores the supreme holiness of God.
God's holiness is manifested in His moral perfection and His intolerance of sin.
Habakkuk 1:13 states, "Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing." This verse highlights God's inability to coexist with sin, necessitating a separation between the holy and the profane.
The holiness of God demands that His people also be holy.
Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the whole congregation of the Israelites and tell them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'" This call to holiness is reiterated in the New Testament, where believers are urged to live lives that reflect God's holy nature (
1 Peter 1:15-16).
God's holiness is also evident in His sanctifying work. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are transformed into the likeness of Christ, growing in holiness and righteousness.
2 Corinthians 7:1 encourages believers, "Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
In summary, God's justice and holiness are integral to His character, shaping His interactions with humanity and His expectations for His people. These attributes are not only foundational to understanding God's nature but also serve as a guide for living a life that honors Him.