Topical Encyclopedia
Justice of GodThe justice of God is a fundamental attribute that reflects His moral perfection and righteousness. In the Bible, God's justice is portrayed as an integral part of His character, ensuring that He acts in accordance with His holiness and truth. The justice of God is not merely punitive but also restorative, aiming to bring about righteousness and reconciliation.
In
Deuteronomy 32:4, God is described as "The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." This verse underscores the perfection and fairness inherent in God's nature. His justice is impartial and unwavering, as He judges all people according to His righteous standards.
The Psalms frequently highlight God's justice.
Psalm 9:7-8 states, "But the LORD abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment. He judges the world with justice; He governs the people with equity." Here, God's eternal reign is linked to His just governance, emphasizing that His judgments are fair and equitable.
In the New Testament, the justice of God is further revealed through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
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." Through Christ's sacrificial death, God's justice is satisfied, allowing Him to be both just and the justifier of those who believe.
Sovereignty of GodThe sovereignty of God refers to His supreme authority and power over all creation. It denotes His ability to govern and control all things according to His will and purpose. God's sovereignty is comprehensive, extending over the natural world, human history, and individual lives.
In
Isaiah 46:9-10, God declares, "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'" This passage affirms God's unique position as the sovereign ruler who orchestrates history according to His divine plan.
The book of Daniel provides a vivid illustration of God's sovereignty. In
Daniel 4:35, it is proclaimed, "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: 'What have You done?'" This highlights God's uncontested authority over all realms, emphasizing that His will is unchallengeable.
In the New Testament,
Ephesians 1:11 speaks to God's sovereign purpose: "In Him we were also chosen as God's own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will." This verse underscores that God's sovereignty encompasses His redemptive plan, ensuring that all things work together according to His divine counsel.
The sovereignty of God is also evident in His providential care for His creation.
Matthew 10:29-31 illustrates this by stating, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." This passage reassures believers of God's intimate involvement and control over even the smallest details of life.
In summary, God's justice and sovereignty are central themes in the Bible, revealing His righteous character and supreme authority. These attributes assure believers of His fair and equitable governance, as well as His ultimate control over all things, working everything according to His perfect will.