Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of justice is deeply intertwined with the character of God, who is portrayed as the ultimate judge and arbiter of righteousness. The theme of justice concerning the wicked is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, where divine justice is often depicted as both retributive and restorative.Divine Justice and the Wicked The Bible consistently affirms that God is just and that He will not allow the wicked to go unpunished. In the Old Testament, the Psalms and the Prophets frequently highlight God's commitment to justice. For instance, Psalm 37:28 states, "For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked will be cut off." This verse underscores the assurance that while the righteous are protected, the wicked will face divine retribution. The Passover and the Wicked The Passover event, as recorded in the book of Exodus, serves as a profound illustration of divine justice. During the final plague in Egypt, God executed judgment on the Egyptians while sparing the Israelites. Exodus 12:12-13 recounts, "On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt." In this narrative, the wickedness of Pharaoh and the Egyptians, who oppressed the Israelites, is met with divine justice. The Passover not only signifies God's deliverance of His people but also His judgment upon the wicked. The blood of the lamb, which causes the angel of death to "pass over" the Israelite homes, symbolizes the protective covering for those who are obedient to God's command. Prophetic Warnings and Justice The prophets of the Old Testament frequently warned of impending judgment upon the wicked. The book of Isaiah, for example, contains numerous pronouncements against nations and individuals who defy God's laws. Isaiah 13:11 declares, "I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity; I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless." These prophetic warnings serve as reminders that divine justice is inevitable. The wicked may appear to prosper temporarily, but their ultimate fate is sealed by their rebellion against God. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the theme of justice continues with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself speaks of the final judgment, where the wicked will be separated from the righteous. Matthew 25:46 states, "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of divine justice in his epistles. In Romans 2:5-6 , he writes, "But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. God 'will repay each one according to his deeds.'" Conclusion The biblical portrayal of justice concerning the wicked is clear: God, as the righteous judge, will not allow wickedness to go unpunished. The Passover event, prophetic warnings, and New Testament teachings all affirm that divine justice is both a present reality and a future certainty. The wicked may seem to escape judgment temporarily, but Scripture assures that God's justice will ultimately prevail. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 11:42But woe to you, Pharisees! for you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library This World is Ruled by the Providence of one God, who is Both ... The Wicked Heart Set to do Evil. The Justice of God Characters Will be Disclosed, and Justice Awarded. Of the Liberty Proper to Man's Nature, and the Servitude ... The Wrath of God Unimpeachable Justice Ezekiel xiii. 22 The Grace of God Demonstration viii. --Of the Resurrection of the Dead. 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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