To Understand Justice (2)

Introduction

In our last lesson on this topic we considered the basic definitions of justice throughout scripture.

Then we began to look at how to practice justice with one of the foundational principles of not approaching with a double-standard.

In this lesson, we are going to continue to lay out some essential element of “doing justice.”

Limited Capacity

There will always be injustice that will necessarily be left unaddressed (Rom. 12:19).

We do not have the power to address all injustices (Matt. 5:38-42).

We do not have the authority to address all injustices:

There is jurisdiction of the home (Eph. 6:4; Tit. 2:5).

Jurisdiction of the church (1 Cor. 5:12; 1 Pet. 5:2).

Jurisdiction of the government (Rom. 13:1-7).

We will discuss later about our interaction with injustice that is outside of our jurisdiction.

We are limited in what we can know (1 Cor. 4:3-4).

We are limited in how much justice we can dispense (Lev. 24:17-21).

Unjust results are not always caused by unjust behavior (Ex. 21:28-29).

Presumed Innocence

This principle is not simply one of American justice, though it is not universal either.

Accusations are opinions until they are proven (Acts 24:13).

In order to know the truth we must hear and examine all sides of a case (Prov. 18:17).

The evidence must be more than single testimony (Deut. 19:15; 2 Cor. 13:1).

Silence should not be considered as guilt of the accused (Matt. 26:60-65).

We must particularly exercise this mindset when we are negatively disposed toward the accused.

They are guards against our own prejudice.

Notice that they Jewish leadership struggled even in their malice to convict Jesus.

Even paying lip service to these precautions at least offered a speed bump to simply declaring an innocent man guilty.

Conclusion

God is not limited. He knows who is guilty and who is innocent. He will ultimately set right what we could not.

But even though He has every right to merely pronounce our guilt, He also makes the case. And as He holds up the perfect law of liberty as testimony, we are all convicted if we are honest.

We stand accused and convicted. All that remains is the price to be paid. He will have justice and He will have it in full.

But mercifully, He offers to pay it for you. Justice will remain intact. Would you allow Him to pay your debt? Or will you insist on paying for it yourself?