Read: Romans 3:23-24
The ’80s were tough times for kids! In junior high, I had to walk to school, and as a result, I was often late for the first period. The punishment for being late was three swats administered by the vice principal. Even though I knew the rules and the consequences, I remember thinking that I had circumstances beyond my control and deserved mercy—not punishment. This experience made me realize how much we long for both justice and mercy, even though they seem like opposites.
God’s justice and mercy are at the heart of the Gospel. Romans 3:23 reminds us that we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s perfect standard. Sin is a reality for every human being. If we are honest, we all deserve the consequences of sin, which is separation from God. In His justice, God cannot ignore sin; it must be punished. But here’s where the beauty of the Gospel shines—God is not only just, He is also merciful. Through Jesus, He made a way for us to be justified, or made right, in His eyes.
Revelation 20:12 paints a sobering picture of the final judgment, where every person will stand before God and be judged according to their deeds. This passage emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the reality that no one escapes judgment. But there’s hope for those who have placed their trust in Jesus. The Book of Life contains the names of those who have been redeemed by Christ, and their sins have been forgiven.
The tension between justice and mercy is resolved perfectly at the cross. Jesus took upon Himself the punishment for our sins, satisfying God’s justice and offering us mercy in the process. God’s heart isn’t to condemn us but to save us. The reason hell exists is to righteously punish evil, but through Jesus, we have been given an invitation to escape that judgment and enter into eternal life with Him.
We often wrestle with the idea that “good people” could face judgment. But Scripture reminds us that none of us are inherently good by God’s standards. We all fall short, and that’s why we so desperately need Jesus. If we reject His offer of grace, we choose separation. But when we accept His sacrifice, we experience both the justice of sin paid for and the mercy of sins forgiven.
Reflection Questions:
- How does understanding that God is both just and merciful change the way you view sin and salvation?
- What does it mean for you personally that Jesus has taken on the punishment you deserve?
- How can you share the balance of God’s justice and mercy with someone in your life who may only see one side of God’s character?