Assignment and prep for our study together:
- Read (or re-read) Chapter 4, God's Justice, Pages 59-74.
- Read the Study Guide for Chapter 4, Pages 35-41.
- Prep for December 10th study - It's a bit short notice for Nov 26th, so here's a preview of an assignment for the next time we meet on December 10th: Do a Bible word study on the words "justice" and "righteousness" and find out how they're tied together in their use throughout the Scripture.
Plan for our study time together:
- We'll start in Section 2, The Passion of Christ, on page 67.
Hope to see you on Saturday!
Writing this on Thanksgiving! There are so many reasons to be thankful, biblically and spiritually, including our salvation! But what about this attribute; as in, God IS "justice"? It's not exactly one of the top few things I find myself thanking God for. Think about it. We say, thank you for salvation, which requires his "justice-ness", in that He it (His "justice-ness") was exercised in His wrath being turned from us, who believe, onto His Son, in whom we have faith.
But imagine if we existed with Justice that was outside of God! Where would its origin have come from? From another human being - A fallen human being? Or worse yet, what if it came from Satan, being the accuser of the brethren? How miserable would either of those two options be!
Yet the enduring Truth of the Word of God says it originates with our God, who created us, and we not ourselves (Psalm 100:3)! There is something comforting about knowing that I came from the one who is also justice - He's not only "just", but "justice" itself! It means that He has no problem extending mercy, and even righteousness to me or anyone else who will receive it in accordance with His own prescribed way of life, which endures forever. Yes, Jesus Christ lives forevermore - being the the truth, the way, and the life endures forever. And THAT way is the way of life in Him!
We usually (I usually do) focus on the fact that God is love (Agape) and wants us to experience His love, which is true. But at the same time as He demonstrates His love, He allows us to experience His justice, which is tied to His righteousness, which He imputes to us, who believe on Him! And there's no race between that Love and Justice, both attributes of our LORD, God.
To that I say, "thank You, O my father, for giving us Your Son, and leaving Your Spirit until the work on earth is done". Thank You, God, for Your Justice!