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Justice

Three times in the book of Acts (3:14, 7:52, 22:14), Jesus is referred to as “the Just.”  In our time, justice generally carries a negative connotation: the repercussions of not measuring up to what is right.  But in the Bible, being “just” and being “righteous” are simply different ways to translate the same Greek word describing the one who makes things come out right and fair.  The catch is that we must trust Him to make it come out that way and not lose hope when experiencing the uncomfortable and unfair parts of life.

“…whom God sent forth as a propitiation [atoning sacrifice] through faith in His blood, into a demonstration of His righteousness, through suspending judgment of previous sins in the forbearance of God,” (Romans 3:25)  God demonstrated that He is composed of an integrated and consistent set of character traits, neither demanding immediate justice nor setting justice aside.  Instead, knowing that people did not have the means to pay their debts to justice, He came to earth and paid it for them.  He did what was right so that He could adopt a big family forever.

“…for the demonstration His righteousness in the present time, into being Himself: just and justifying the one who is out of the faith of Jesus.” (Romans 3:26)  Jesus demonstrated His nature, being concerned with what is right and fair.  His sacrifice (3:25) made it possible to satisfy justice and declare to be “right” those who had faith of like kind to His.  As John put it, “The Word became flesh and walked among us.”  Jesus was successful not because He was God, but because He walked by faith.  The Gospels record the nature of the faith required to be “right.”

“For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.  For Christ also suffered once upon sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring you to God.” (1 Peter 3:17 – 18)  The context parallels the faithful with Jesus, both of whom are quite willing to accept defamation if, in due course, outsiders are brought to faith.  Further, Peter enjoins them (3:15) to be ready with logical evidence for following the path they have chosen.  In both cases, those who are fair and right willingly suffer for those who are not, to bring them in.