Justice

In the biblical context, justice is a fundamental attribute of God and a central theme throughout Scripture. It is often associated with righteousness, fairness, and the moral order established by God. The Hebrew word for justice, "mishpat," and the Greek word "dikaiosyne" both convey a sense of rightness and equity.

The Bible portrays God as the ultimate judge who administers justice with perfect wisdom and impartiality. 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 belief that God's justice is inherent to His character and actions.

Justice in human society is also a significant concern in the Bible. The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites, contains numerous statutes aimed at ensuring justice among the people. For instance, Leviticus 19:15 instructs, "You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly." This command highlights the importance of impartiality and fairness in judicial matters.

The prophets frequently called out the Israelites for their failure to uphold justice, emphasizing that true worship of God is inseparable from just actions. Micah 6:8 famously states, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse encapsulates the biblical mandate for individuals to pursue justice as an expression of their faith.

Reward

The concept of reward in the Bible is closely linked to the principles of justice and righteousness. Rewards are often depicted as the blessings or consequences that follow obedience to God's commands and faithfulness to His covenant.

In the Old Testament, rewards are frequently associated with material blessings and prosperity. For example, Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings that will come upon Israel if they obey God's commandments, including prosperity, health, and victory over enemies. Conversely, disobedience results in curses and hardships.

In the New Testament, the focus shifts more towards spiritual and eternal rewards. Jesus teaches about rewards in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the heavenly rewards for those who live according to God's will. In Matthew 5:12, He says, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you."

The Apostle Paul also speaks of rewards in the context of faithful service to Christ. In 1 Corinthians 3:14, he writes, "If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward." This passage suggests that believers' works will be tested, and those that endure will result in eternal rewards.

The Book of Revelation further elaborates on the theme of reward, promising blessings to those who overcome. Revelation 22:12 declares, "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done." This verse affirms the belief that Christ will return to administer justice and reward each person based on their deeds.

Overall, the biblical narrative presents justice and reward as integral components of God's relationship with humanity, reflecting His righteous character and the moral order He has established.