Introduction
The principle of justice has become more prevalent in recent times with the increase of riots, rebellion, and manifestations of unfairness around our worldwide. That humanity rejects injustice in favor of equity and neutrality is indisputable. The question arises, is this possible to have justice in a corrupt world where the arbitrators of justice are radically flawed? Proverbs 24:24-25 highlights, “Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,” will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations, but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.” Justice is only achievable when there is righteousness.
The Gravest Injustice
We can find the severest example of injustice in the unlawful and ghastly crucifixion of Jesus Christ on a cross. Biblical accounts of this event describe Jesus’ “crime” as proclaiming to be a prophet. In Jewish law, this was not punishable, and Jesus was not a criminal. Jesus was not guilty of murder or terrorism, vandalism, or embezzlement of funds, yet he was sentenced to death.
At the scene of Christ’s interrogation, Pilate asked the people, “what crime has he committed?” (Mark 15:14), and they could not answer, yet they shouted, “crucify him.” The Bible tells us that Pilate, “wanting to satisfy the crowd,” had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified (Matthew 15:20).
Flogging or scourging was booked for slaves, a vile punishment inflicted on those who were condemned. Roman scourging was mainly brutal as bits of lead, and sharp bones were woven into the scourges, which caused the victims to die under agonizing pain. This was not enough; Christ was mocked, and His suffering made a spectacle.
John 19:12 asserts that although Pilate wanted to free Jesus, the crowd shouted at him, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar…” This stirred Pilate’s fears as he pondered the consequences of sparing a “so-called” prisoner. Pilate was concerned for his safety and handed Jesus over to the crowd, ushering in the crucifixion.
Under the direction of chief priests, Roman soldiers crucified Christ. He died an innocent man, in the middle of two criminals being served civic justice. Pilate acted contrary to the law and justice. He violated his conscience to please the people.
The question remains: if the Messiah, God’s Son, was cruelly crucified, what hope is there of justice for the common man?
Christ, the Judge
The depravity of this world offered dismal expectations of justice. When Christ died, He redefined justice. God says, “Here is My Servant, whom I have chosen, My beloved, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations” (Matthew 12:18). The Spirit of God qualified Jesus for His position as the Final Executor of justice in this world.
Judgment in Hebrew means “law” or “commands.” It reflects a system of truth: God’s law, His purpose, and plan related to human duty and conduct. The Gospel produced the God of Judgement, Who informs the conviction of men, teaches God’s moral precepts, and with His integrity, guides people to live soberly, righteously, and godly.
Christ represented the most accurate display of justice in a fractured world. As the Author of life and eternity, Who governed all things from the beginning and still regulates the earth, God gave His Son, Jesus, the authority to show God’s approval in spiritual matters, in the affairs of human life, and society’s government. True justice is unattainable unless nations recognize Christ as the Eventual Judge of humanity.
Just Governance
God’s law
Moral laws echo God’s standards: it is not solely based on human reasoning. Law-makers who attempt justice without God are described in the Bible as “feared and dreaded people; they are a law to themselves and promote their own honor (Habakkuk 1:7).
Christ’s Kingdom became the ideal standard of just governance because it concentrated on ruling in people’s hearts, enacting laws for them, bringing them into submission, subduing their enemies, supplying their needs, and defending their personhood, properties, rights, and liberties.
God rewards good behavior but punishes the unjust, “For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish (Psalm 37:28). Not subject to the recklessness of man, God is the Perfect Preserver of justice, “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes” (Deuteronomy 10:17).
God’s Kingdom fulfilled just governance by breaking the confusion between “might” and “right.” God does not merely do what His power dictates, but His actions are consistent with what is fair and right. God’s government stands because it is right!
This notion of justice sharpens the point that only when people become righteous, respect for the law and fairness is accomplished. God says, “The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever” (Psalm 37:29).
Love and protection
When Christ was born, the prophet Isaiah declared, “the government shall be upon His shoulder” (Isaiah 9:6). Significant burdens are usually carried on people’s shoulders. Governing is a burden of honor and care placed on the shoulders of those who are fit to take it. People have confidence in leadership that makes them feel safe and secure.
A government that rests on the shoulders of a Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace is reminiscent of a loving and protecting authority. When governments love and protect, justice is served.
Turning the other cheek
We know God is righteous and He will deliver justice, but often we contemplate the wrongs taking place before us and watch life continue without recompense. It is important to note that God’s justice is not immediate. The Christian hope is that justice will be served in His time and in His way. God assures us, “If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them” (Ecclesiastes 5:8). We also know that we serve a God who hates injustice, “I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense…” (Isaiah 61:8).
Christ says, says, “Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matthew 5:39). The concept here is to suffer any injustice that can be borne for the cause of peace and commit all grievances to God. We find a personal example in Jesus, who suffered unjustly without resisting. By subduing our natural desires to get revenge, we obey God and understand that those who act right will have lasting protection.
While justice is honorable, God’s principle is that the righteous should not seek their own justice, but allow God to fulfill His will, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).
Why righteousness?
To maintain stability
The Bible widely explores and intertwines the ideas of justice and righteousness. Proverbs 21:15 says, “When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” Righteous people take pleasure in their actions because they know they are implementing the will of God. The righteous have a clear and godly conscience, providing happiness and stability to the people around them. By contrast, unrighteous leaders bring destruction: people are insecure, erratic, and unhappy when mistreated. Justice brings joy, but injustice brings evil.
To receive blessings
A blessing is pronounced on those who behave righteously, “Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!” (Psalm 106:3). Righteous people are governed by the principle of integrity and obey the laws of their land. The challenge remains to be honest not only in words but also in actions, not only in prosperity but also in adversity.
To show obedience
The righteous are instructed by God to desist from showing partiality to the rich or poor but to deliver true judgments at all times, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly” (Leviticus 19:15).
Pursuing justice is not only for the mighty and powerful, but justice should be a way of life for all people. Justice must lead people to honesty in the most trivial matters of life. God commands His children, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause” (Isaiah 1:17).
To receive eternal gratification
We live righteously because we know our Lord is coming soon and we will receive our everlasting inheritance, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done” (Revelation 22:12).
Conclusion
The Christian archetype of justice brings hope to an unjust and perverted world. Justice is present when people are righteous. Biblical tenets carry the truth that justice begins in hearts and can only be materialized when people see Christ as the Supreme Judge of this world’s affairs. Humanity is summoned to rest in the promise that Christ is their Purveyor of justice.
