What is justice? Where is justice found? The original Hebrew words (tsedhaqah; tsedheq) and the Greek word (dikaiosune), are essentially the same as those rendered or translated “righteousness.” This is common in about half of the uses in the King James Version of the biblical text as well as in the American Standard Revised Version. Other versions use the words interchangeably based upon the context of the verse. Nonetheless, it must be constantly borne in mind that the two ideas are essentially the same throughout the entire Bible.
1. Human Justice primarily has to do with conduct in relationship to others, especially with regard for the rights of individuals. This justice, in general, is contrasted with humanity’s evil or wickedness which “feared not God, and regarded not (one’s fellow) man” (See Luke 18:2). In a larger sense, justice involves not only giving others their rights, but the active duty of establishing their rights.
Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.
Psalm 82:2-4 How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah. Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.
In our New Testament, the idea of justice or righteousness (remember … these are essentially the same) becomes more spiritual and ethical. It is truly a matter of character, and God’s own spirit is the standard!
I John 3:7-8 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning.
The mere give-and-take idea of justice is not enough. Believers are unquestionably and uniquely called to be merciful … merciful to all fellow humans! The ideal is our righteousness in God through Christ Jesus, not rights! In Matthew 5:20, Jesus declared:
Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
2. God’s justice, or righteousness, is found to be an essential aspect of His divine nature. However, just as with humanity, it is not something abstract, but is clearly revealed in His relationship to mankind and the world He created. It is His Lordship/Kingship that established and maintains justice. Even though it appears as retributive justice, it’s the reaction of His Holy will/nature, and is grounded in His very being. He is against evil … whatever, wherever found.
Habakkuk 1:13 Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, And You can not look on wickedness with favor.
Therefore, He is not, and cannot be … indifferent to good and evil, right and wrong, etc. All the great prophets of the Old Testament, Isaiah, Micah, Amos, Hosea, each understood God’s just/righteous nature, and insist upon Yahweh’s call/demand for justice/righteousness in/with God’s people.
Today, our cultures and societies know little of genuine justice and in fact may even come to deny it’s existence or origin, despite the consequences within the framework of human civilization. Nevertheless, God’s people are to seek justice, justice for all — as a fundamental component of our belief system/faith … apart from which there is no, and will never be any, true or valid, justice/righteousness.
At West Oaks Fellowship, I pray we “seek justice” and embrace the true meaning of justice for all, standing firm in the understanding that God is just, and the justifier of all those who place their full faith in Jesus Christ! (See Romans 3:26).
His & Yours, PF