Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, justice is a central theme that reflects God's character and His expectations for human conduct. The absence of justice, particularly among His people, is a source of divine displeasure and is addressed repeatedly throughout Scripture. God's concern for justice is rooted in His nature as a righteous and holy God, who desires that His creation reflects His moral order.Old Testament Context The Old Testament is replete with instances where God expresses His displeasure with the lack of justice among the Israelites. The prophets, in particular, serve as God's mouthpieces, calling out the injustices of their time and warning of the consequences of such behavior. In Isaiah 1:17, God commands, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This verse underscores God's expectation for His people to actively pursue justice and protect the vulnerable. The failure to do so leads to divine rebuke, as seen in Isaiah 1:23, where God laments, "Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the fatherless, and the widow’s case never comes before them." Similarly, in Micah 6:8, the prophet articulates what God requires: "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?" The absence of justice is not merely a social failing but a spiritual one, reflecting a departure from God's covenantal expectations. New Testament Insights The New Testament continues to emphasize God's displeasure with injustice, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself denounces the religious leaders of His day for their hypocrisy and neglect of justice. In Matthew 23:23, He declares, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." The early church is also called to embody justice as a reflection of God's kingdom. James 1:27 states, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." The neglect of justice, particularly towards the marginalized, is seen as a failure to live out the faith authentically. Divine Response to Injustice Throughout Scripture, God's response to the lack of justice is both corrective and redemptive. He disciplines His people to bring them back to righteousness and justice. In Amos 5:24, God calls for justice to "roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream," indicating His desire for a continuous and pervasive practice of justice. God's ultimate plan for justice is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect justice and righteousness. Through Christ, believers are called to be agents of justice in the world, reflecting God's heart for the oppressed and marginalized. In summary, the Bible presents a clear picture of God's displeasure with the absence of justice. His call to His people is to embody His justice in their lives, communities, and societies, reflecting His character and advancing His kingdom on earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ecclesiastes 5:8If you see the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regards; and there be higher than they. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Salvation Against those who Say that Demons Govern Human Affairs, and who ... Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy. God's Love Commended to Us. A Challenge and a Shield National Sins and Miseries Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings. Letter viii. To Demophilus, Therapeutes. About Minding Ones Own ... The Inner and the Outer Revelation. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... Resources What does the Bible say about social justice? | GotQuestions.orgHow do God's mercy and justice work together in salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is a God of justice? | GotQuestions.org Justice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Justice: Brings Its own Reward Justice: Christ, an Example of Justice: General Scriptures Concerning Justice: God: Displeased With the Want of Justice: God: Gives Wisdom to Execute Justice: God: Sets the Highest Value On Justice: Saints should Always Do Justice: Saints should Pray for Wisdom to Execute Justice: Saints should Receive Instruction In Justice: Saints should Study the Principles of Justice: Saints should Take Pleasure in Doing Justice: Saints should Teach Others to Do Justice: Specially Required in Rulers Justice: The Wicked: Afflict Those Who Act With Justice: The Wicked: Call not For Justice: The Wicked: Pass Over Justice: To be Done in Buying and Selling Justice: To be Done in Executing Judgment Justice: To be Done: To Servants Justice: To be Done: To the Fatherless and Widows Justice: To be Done: To the Poor The Justice of God is a Part of his Character The Justice of God: Acknowledge The Justice of God: Declared to be without Respect of Persons The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Impartial The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Incomparable The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Incorruptible The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Plenteous The Justice of God: Declared to Be: The Habitation of his Throne The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Undeviating The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Unfailing The Justice of God: Denied by the Ungodly The Justice of God: Exhibited in all his Ways The Justice of God: Exhibited in Forgiving Sins The Justice of God: Exhibited in His Government The Justice of God: Exhibited in His Judgments The Justice of God: Exhibited in Redemption The Justice of God: Exhibited in The Final Judgment The Justice of God: Not to be Sinned Against Related Terms |
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