Topical Bible: Injustice: Saints should Take No Vengeance For

◄ Injustice: Saints should Take No Vengeance For ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Injustice, a deviation from righteousness and fairness, is a recurring theme in the Bible. The Scriptures consistently teach that while injustice may be prevalent in the world, the saints are called to respond in a manner that reflects the character of God, refraining from personal vengeance and trusting in divine justice.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides clear guidance on how believers should respond to injustice. Romans 12:19 states, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" This passage underscores the principle that vengeance belongs to God alone. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's perfect justice rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding God's perspective on justice and vengeance. In Deuteronomy 32:35 , God declares, "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay." This assurance is given to the Israelites as a reminder that God is the ultimate judge who will right all wrongs in His timing. The Psalms also echo this sentiment, as seen in Psalm 94:1-2 : "O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth. Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render a reward to the proud."

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further develops the theme of refraining from vengeance. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, teaches, "But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matthew 5:39). This radical call to non-retaliation emphasizes the importance of love and forgiveness over retribution.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, reiterates this teaching. In 1 Thessalonians 5:15 , he instructs, "Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people." This directive encourages believers to seek the welfare of others, even in the face of wrongdoing.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of enduring injustice without seeking personal vengeance. During His trial and crucifixion, He did not retaliate against His accusers or executioners. Instead, He entrusted Himself to the Father, as described in 1 Peter 2:23 : "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly."

Practical Application

Believers are called to emulate Christ's example by responding to injustice with patience and trust in God's justice. This involves praying for those who perpetrate injustice, as Jesus instructed in Matthew 5:44 : "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Additionally, believers are encouraged to overcome evil with good, as Paul writes in Romans 12:21 : "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for saints is clear: they are to refrain from taking vengeance into their own hands, trusting instead in God's righteous judgment. By doing so, they reflect the character of Christ and bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 5:39
But I say to you, That you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Wrath of God
... and sea were sand, and every thousand years a bird should come and ... The saints will
not pity them. ... drink a sea of wrath, but not one drop of injustice, It is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/3 3 the wrath of god.htm

Chapter xix.
... has so far withdrawn himself from the highest injustice, and made ... no such thing done
by the saints, or by ... of perfection; so that every one should remember when ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xix.htm

1 Cor. v. 11-Sep
... also, saying thus, "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge ... if you choose to see
how far you should keep from ... [10.] Now then, if you commit injustice, it is ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xvi 1 cor v.htm

A Divine Colloquy Between the Soul and Her Saviour Upon the ...
... To give thee assurance, that all the saints shall arise ... and my badness, thy justice
and my injustice, the impiety ... my might and mind, as I should; therefore as ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/a divine colloquy between the.htm

The Justice of God
... They should rather admire his mercy than complain of his ... Injustice lies in two things,
either not to punish ... out of course; sin is rampant, saints are wronged ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 the justice of god.htm

Introduction.
... it is announced that Messiah and the saints with Him ... There shall be no injustice
in His days among them ... the epochs in which these events should take place; some ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/introduction.htm

The Testament of Dan Concerning Anger and Lying.
... work this iniquity, that two tribes should be destroyed ... he persuadeth and overcometh
in injustice: and having ... Him everlasting peace; and the saints shall rest ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/vii the testament of dan concerning.htm

Extracts No. vii.
... If in judging thus, I do injustice either to Mrs ... not insane, who should intimate
that these saints were superstitous ... But why should you go over such ground, on ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm

Of Uncharitable Truth.
... as it is a Seminary of more Injustice and Uncharitableness ... For though tis said the
Saints shall judge the world ... one to that reproach; methinks this should be no ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section vi of uncharitable truth.htm

Of the Beginning and Rise of the Romish Papacy, Till it Attained a ...
... limit, he does great and atrocious injustice not only ... rob God of his honour and take
it to ... most cruel slayer and murderer of the saints, should be, nevertheless ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 of the beginning.htm