Topical Bible: Justice: Saints should Study the Principles of

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Justice, as a divine attribute and a moral principle, is foundational to the character of God and the ethical framework within which believers are called to live. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of justice, urging the faithful to understand and apply its principles in their lives.

Biblical Foundation of Justice

The concept of justice is deeply rooted in the nature of God, who is described as just and righteous. In Deuteronomy 32:4, it is declared, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; 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 character, setting the standard for human justice.

Justice in the Law and Prophets

The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites, contains numerous statutes that reflect God's justice. 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 impartiality required in the administration of justice, a principle that remains relevant for believers today.

The prophets also called for justice, often as a corrective to the social and moral failings of Israel. 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 divine expectation for justice, mercy, and humility in the lives of God's people.

Justice in the Teachings of Jesus

Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry, reaffirmed the importance of justice. In Matthew 23:23, He rebukes the Pharisees, saying, "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." Here, Jesus emphasizes that justice is a weighty matter of the law, integral to true righteousness.

Justice in the Early Church

The early church continued to uphold the principles of justice, as seen in the writings of the apostles. James 2:1-4 warns against favoritism, urging believers to treat all people with fairness and equality: "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, 'Here is a seat of honor,' but say to the poor man, 'You must stand,' or, 'Sit at my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"

The Role of Saints in Pursuing Justice

Believers are called to be agents of justice in the world, reflecting God's character and upholding His standards. Proverbs 21:3 states, "To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice." This verse highlights the priority God places on justice over ritualistic observance, urging the faithful to embody justice in their daily lives.

The pursuit of justice requires wisdom and discernment, as well as a commitment to God's truth. Psalm 82:3-4 exhorts, "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked." Saints are thus encouraged to actively engage in defending the vulnerable and promoting justice in their communities.

In studying the principles of justice, believers are equipped to navigate the complexities of a fallen world, ensuring that their actions align with the divine standard and contribute to the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... of which Christ, the angels, the saints and all ... as he does all other bishops, against
God and justice. ... the Sentences and that Doctors should study the Bible. ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light ... He was entitled, indeed, in justice
and reason, to ... us in what manner every Christian should study to acquit ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

The First Sayings of Jesus --His Ideas of a Divine Father and of a ...
... by a fifth empire, that of the saints, which should last ... As to justice, he was content
with repeating the well ... Why should there be mediators between man and his ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter v the first sayings.htm

The Knowledge of God
... he must have a perfect knowledge, or he could not do justice. ... was I beaten with rods;'
as if you should see a ... make wounds in the backs of the saints, and then ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the knowledge of god.htm

The Sinner Stripped of his Vain Pleas.
... which was once delivered to the saints," (Jude, ver.3 ... to be) it is absolutely necessary
you should be plainly ... God, who will do you ample justice, and therefore ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter v the sinner stripped.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... As the apostle saith also to the saints at Corinth ... given you the reasons why God's
people should be diligent ... sin hast deserved at the hand of revenging justice. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... accomplished for his people; by which God's justice is satisfied ... unto him much incense,
that he should offer it ... came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

we have not only so high a pattern, but so excellent a motive
... Yet if need require, charity can execute justice, and inflict chastisement, not
out ... Therefore methinks it should be the study of all saints who believe ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter ii i .htm

On Appeal.
... That sense of justice; that elementary instinct of fair ... sacred history, the memory
of great saints, confessors and ... There should only be one subject for Good ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter iii on appeal.htm

Ananias and Sapphira.
... purpose, besides satisfaction to incensed justice, they will ... hypocrites will be found
intermixed with the saints. ... We should guard against the predominance of ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vi ananias and sapphira.htm