Justice: Saints should Take Pleasure in Doing
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Justice, as a divine attribute and a moral imperative, is a central theme throughout the Bible. It is not merely a legalistic concept but a reflection of God's character and His expectations for His people. The saints, as followers of Christ, are called to embody justice in their lives, taking pleasure in doing what is right and fair according to God's standards.

Biblical Foundation of Justice

The Bible presents justice as an essential aspect of God's nature. 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 that justice is inherent to God's character, and as His followers, the saints are called to reflect this attribute in their lives.

Justice in the Old Testament

The Old Testament is replete with calls for justice, particularly in the context of social and communal life. The prophet Micah encapsulates this call in Micah 6:8: "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?" Here, justice is not an abstract concept but a practical requirement for living in accordance with God's will.

The Psalms also emphasize the joy and righteousness found in justice. Psalm 106:3 states, "Blessed are those who uphold justice, who practice righteousness at all times." This verse highlights the blessedness and joy that come from living a life committed to justice.

Justice in the New Testament

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies perfect justice. His teachings and actions consistently reflect a commitment to justice, mercy, and truth. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for neglecting the weightier matters of the law: "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 Apostle Paul also exhorts believers to pursue justice. In Romans 12:17-18, he writes, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This passage encourages believers to seek justice and peace, even in the face of wrongdoing.

The Saints' Delight in Justice

For the saints, taking pleasure in justice is both a duty and a delight. Proverbs 21:15 declares, "Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity." This verse illustrates that the righteous find joy in the execution of justice, as it aligns with their desire to live in harmony with God's will.

Furthermore, the pursuit of justice is an expression of love for one's neighbor. In James 2:8, the royal law is summarized: "If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing well." Justice, therefore, is an outworking of love, as it seeks the good and fair treatment of others.

Conclusion

The call to justice is a call to reflect God's character in the world. For the saints, taking pleasure in doing justice is a natural response to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. As they pursue justice, they participate in God's redemptive plan, bringing His righteousness and peace to a world in need.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 21:15
It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That the Example of Certain Saints who Seem to have Exercised ...
... an indiscreet zeal urged you), though you should a thousand ... Those great saints were
immediately inspired by God, and ... anger of man worketh not the justice of God ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xvi that the example.htm

Baxter -- Making Light of Christ and Salvation
... and made so full a satisfaction to justice, and purchased so glorious a kingdom
for His saints, and all ... that yet so many millions should everlastingly perish ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/baxter making light of.htm

An Appendix to the Beatitudes
... Doing justice is less burdensome than violence. ... What are all the saints, labours
and travails in religion ... of it are scandalous is as if one should say, Because ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/an appendix to the beatitudes.htm

1 Cor. v. 11-Sep
... saying thus, "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge ... and many other things which
are the ruin of justice. ... if you choose to see how far you should keep from ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xvi 1 cor v.htm

Philippians i. 1, 2
... far off as ye are; am doing but justice in witnessing ... you to the alliance and succor
of the saints of God; but I fear lest some one should suspect another ...
/.../homily i philippians i 1.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... when your soul is required by the hand of justice? ... ye, my friends, that the glorious
saints shall wear ... Christ's righteousness should meet with a seeker not a ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi but seek ye.htm

The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... His sufferings were to satisfy the justice that required blood, and to bear what
was due to sinners, and so to ... O miserable saints in heaven, should you be ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm

Man's Inability to Keep the Moral Law
... They can pay God's justice what they owe; therefore ... Oh, that the devil should rock
men so fast ... The saints' obedience, though short of legal perfection, yet ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/3 1 mans inability to keep.htm

we have not only so high a pattern, but so excellent a motive
... is a public interest of saints, mutual edification ... need require, charity can execute
justice, and inflict ... Therefore whatever advantage should redound to itself ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter ii i .htm

Marks of Having Received the Holy Ghost
... shed his precious blood to satisfy his Father's justice for our ... Or should he admit
you, do you imagine you ... of that heavenly inheritance with the saints in light ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/marks of having received the.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about social justice? | GotQuestions.org

How 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 ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Justice

Justice: Apostles

Justice: Brings Its own Reward

Justice: Christ, an Example of

Justice: Commanded

Justice: David

Justice: General Scriptures Concerning

Justice: Gifts Impede

Justice: God: Delights In

Justice: God: Displeased With the Want of

Justice: God: Gives Wisdom to Execute

Justice: God: Requires

Justice: God: Sets the Highest Value On

Justice: Joseph

Justice: Josiah

Justice: Moses

Justice: Promises To

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: Samuel

Justice: Solomon

Justice: Specially Required in Rulers

Justice: The Wicked: Abhor

Justice: The Wicked: Afflict Those Who Act With

Justice: The Wicked: Banish

Justice: The Wicked: Call not For

Justice: The Wicked: Pass Over

Justice: The Wicked: Scorn

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: Magnify

The Justice of God: Not to be Sinned Against

Related Terms

Equity (19 Occurrences)

Pervert (18 Occurrences)

Justly (22 Occurrences)

Judicial (2 Occurrences)

Right (4703 Occurrences)

Judgment (430 Occurrences)

Judging (141 Occurrences)

Executes (11 Occurrences)

Deprive (17 Occurrences)

Judge (297 Occurrences)

Suit (15 Occurrences)

Executed (39 Occurrences)

Bribe (27 Occurrences)

Injustice (32 Occurrences)

Sanhedrin (19 Occurrences)

Fatherless (44 Occurrences)

Blindness (7 Occurrences)

Maintain (50 Occurrences)

Execute (83 Occurrences)

Orphan (25 Occurrences)

Quench (14 Occurrences)

Vindication (14 Occurrences)

Upheld (15 Occurrences)

Wrest (8 Occurrences)

Reconcilation

Administered (9 Occurrences)

Atonement (112 Occurrences)

Oppressor (28 Occurrences)

Perverted (26 Occurrences)

Loves (97 Occurrences)

Uphold (30 Occurrences)

Dike

Due (93 Occurrences)

Needy (83 Occurrences)

Unjust (44 Occurrences)

Oppressed (81 Occurrences)

Widow (71 Occurrences)

Paths (65 Occurrences)

Ought (130 Occurrences)

Just (1529 Occurrences)

Living (3112 Occurrences)

Latter (91 Occurrences)

Wick (10 Occurrences)

Ignored (6 Occurrences)

Fugitive (12 Occurrences)

Tyrannize (1 Occurrence)

Righteously (22 Occurrences)

Robbed (27 Occurrences)

Establishing (18 Occurrences)

Diadem (9 Occurrences)

Mall (1 Occurrence)

Moderately (1 Occurrence)

Mint (2 Occurrences)

Paralyzed (11 Occurrences)

Practiced (22 Occurrences)

Partial (14 Occurrences)

Punishment (417 Occurrences)

Prevails (6 Occurrences)

Bribes (14 Occurrences)

Beset (16 Occurrences)

Conscience (36 Occurrences)

Controversy (21 Occurrences)

Chastisement (24 Occurrences)

Chastening (11 Occurrences)

Alms (13 Occurrences)

Almsgiving (3 Occurrences)

Administer (10 Occurrences)

Surrender (18 Occurrences)

Dispute (37 Occurrences)

Woe (102 Occurrences)

Affliction (120 Occurrences)

Violence (98 Occurrences)

Sanctification (13 Occurrences)

Wormwood (10 Occurrences)

Gate (248 Occurrences)

Oppression (67 Occurrences)

Habitation (90 Occurrences)

Delighted (56 Occurrences)

Deny (48 Occurrences)

Justice: Saints should Study the Principles of
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