If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9)
Of God’s many attributes, one of the most debated, especially between believers and unbelievers is God’s justness.
Why is that?
Let’s first take a look at the dictionary definition of justness:
The quality or state of being just, equitable, or right.
I get very frustrated when a definition contains the word I am trying to define. I guess we’ll have to explore what “just” means as well.
The dictionary defines “just” as guided by truth, reason, justice, and fairness; done or made according to principle; equitable; proper; based on right; rightful; or lawful.
I may be getting old, but it seems that back in the good old days, society had a much clearer view on the concepts mentioned above. I could be mistaken, but it seems that in my lifetime some of these concepts have lost their meaning or have relative meanings. Today, absolute truth is denied, reason has been overrun with emotion, justice is subjective, and fairness is whatever each individual decides it is. Principles are mocked, right is a political stance, and lawlessness is celebrated.
We have reached an impasse.
Until we can agree on what each of these words mean, the debate over God’s justness will continue.
I, unapologetically, believe that the ultimate authoritative discourse on earth is the Bible. I know that some of you may disagree, but I ask that you hear me out. Let’s see what the Bible says about God and justness.
1John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
God lives up to His promises as recorded in the Bible
He doesn’t have to forgive us at all, but He has promised that if we come to saving faith in Jesus and confess that we have done wrong, He will! And that’s where I lose some of you…just hang in there.
Suppose, for the sake of argument, that “right” and “wrong” not only exist, but are defined by a being who created the world and everything in it – including you.
This being, (Let’s call Him God), having created all things, sets up the parameters for living a perfect life in His world, but gives you the choice to obey or not. You choose not to obey.
Wouldn’t it be in His purview to punish that disobedience anyway He saw fit? It would, but our God is not only just. He is full of grace and mercy.
Now, He can’t just say, “That’s okay.” – because it’s not, and God is just. So, He provides a way back – confession/repentance and a Savior, Jesus, to pay the debt of your sin.
It’s not enough just to say you are sorry. You have incurred a debt which must be paid. God can’t let that go, but if you accept Jesus then Jesus satisfied your account with God. If not, then that debt is still on your account, and payment must be made.
Some of you balk at the idea of sin. We cover it with statements like “I’m only human.” or “Nobody’s perfect.” These statements are true, but they are not an excuse to live your life however you please without consequences.
If a thief entered your home and stole something valuable from you, when he was caught would you accept “I’m only human.” as his ticket to freedom? Most likely, you would want restitution and punishment.
I can hear some of you saying, “I don’t do anything truly bad.” That implies that you arbitrate the rules. Who put you in charge? You will always be able to identify someone you have wronged – and they may not agree that you are so innocent.
In this world of relative truth and opinionated judgment, I find it terrifically reassuring that ultimately God – who created all things and knows how they were intended to operate – makes the decisions on what is right or wrong. I love that He provided a way for our debt to be paid.
Let Jesus settle your account with God the Father. When you mess up (because we all do, because “Nobody’s perfect”) confess to God and He will be faithful and just to forgive you.