Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach

Almost unilaterally, Romans 13, specifically vs. 1-7, is at the forefront of the discussion when people talk about Biblical Justice. A quick study of the text reveals the Apostle Paul explains the purpose of governing authorities and the proper Christian response to these authorities appointed by God.

Biblical Justice is one of the main themes throughout the Bible. In Genesis Chapter 3, God had a choice of sorts: Eliminate Adam and Eve for their sins or display His full Grace and Mercy with a just punishment. Biblical Justice requires everyone, not just believers, to treat everyone fairly. You may be thinking, hold on, the unrepentant, too? Yes, but true believers should have no expectation of their obedience to God’s command. Biblical Justice is the standard by which all other standards of Justice can be measured.

Let us contemplate that momentarily; the next time you hear someone complaining that God is unfair, be unapologetic and remind them of the alternative. As A.W. Tozer said:

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STUDY

What does the Bible say about justice?

What is biblical justice? – Reformed Theological Seminary

Topical Bible: Biblical Justice

For those who like to study, here is a FREE online course on the subject: TGC Course | The Pursuit of Biblical Justice – The Gospel Coalition

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God, justice of

The moral righteousness of God is revealed in his laws and expressed in his judicial acts. God’s commands and judgments meet perfect standards of justice, and his apportioning of punishments and rewards is also perfectly just. God’s justice is impartial. Special praise is his for vindicating the penitent and the needy who have no human champions. Ultimately, all God’s ways will be seen as just and equitable.

God’s justice displays his righteousness
It conforms to his moral law Job 34:12 See also Dt 32:4; Ps 9:16; 11:7; Zep 3:5; Ro 2:2; 2Ti 2:13; Rev 15:3

It is seen in his perfect will Ps 99:4 See also Ps 40:8; Isa 53:10; Mt 6:10; 26:39 pp Mk 14:36 pp Lk 22:42; Heb 10:9-10

God acts with justice
Ps 33:5-15 See also Ne 9:33

God’s justice is exercised fairly and equitably Ps 9:7-8 See also Ps 96:13; 98:9; 99:4

He judges people according to their deeds Rev 20:12-13 See also Ex 34:6-7; Ps 62:12; Jer 17:10; Eze 18:20; Mt 16:27; Rev 22:12

He punishes wickedness Eze 18:20 See also Ex 34:7; Dt 32:35; Isa 59:18; 66:24; Mt 25:41-46; Col 3:25; 2Th 1:8-9

He rewards righteousness Ps 58:11 See also Isa 62:11; Mt 5:12 pp Lk 6:23; Mt 25:34-40,46; Ro 2:7; 8:1-2; 2Ti 4:8

God establishes justice
He upholds the cause of the oppressed Ps 103:6 See also Dt 10:18; Ps 140:12; 146:7-9; Isa 61:8; Lk 1:52-53

He vindicates those who have been wronged 1Sa 25:39 See also 1Sa 24:15; Ps 135:14; Ro 12:19; Dt 32:35; 1Pe 2:23

He is completely impartial Job 34:18-19 See also Dt 10:17; 2Ch 19:7; Ac 10:34-35; Eph 6:9

God’s ways in exercising justice

God’s justice is not always immediately apparent Jer 12:1 See also Job 21:7; Ps 73:3-14; Ecc 7:15; Hab 1:2-4; Mal 2:17; 3:14-15; Mt 20:10-12

God warns before punishing 2Ch 36:15 See also 2Ki 17:23; Ne 9:29-30; Jer 7:13; Jnh 3:4; Heb 12:25

God gives opportunity for people to change their ways Jer 18:8-10 See also Jer 7:5-7; Eze 18:25-32; Mt 21:28-32; 1Jn 1:9

God’s justice is truly equitable
Gal 6:7-8 See also Ge 18:25; Nu 32:23; Ps 73:17; Lk 16:25; 18:7-8; Col 3:24-25

God’s justice is satisfied by the work of Jesus Christ
Ro 3:25-26 See also Isa 53:10-11; Heb 9:22; 1Jn 1:9; 2:1-2

God’s justice will be established in the reign of Jesus Christ
Mt 25:31-33 See also Isa 9:6-7; Ac 17:31; Rev 19:11-16

Heaven and earth will rejoice when God’s justice is established Ps 96:10-13 pp 1Ch 16:30-33; Ps 98:4-9; Rev 15:3-4; 16:5-7; 19:1-2

God requires people to reflect his justice
Pr 21:3 See also Lev 19:15; Dt 16:20; 24:17; 1Ki 10:9 pp 2Ch 9:8; Ps 82:3-4; Isa 56:1; Mic 6:8; Zec 7:9-10; Col 4:1; 1Ti 5:21

Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).

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