There is No Justice in The World

The term “justice” is something we’ve been hearing a lot about recently. From social justice movements to quotes like, “No Justice, No Peace,” justice is a frequently spoken word in conversation. But are we all speaking about the same concept?

To the ancient Greeks, justice was integral in a well-governed society. Justice and injustice stemmed from flaws in interpersonal relationships that must be corrected by rebalancing benefits or burdens. Later, Christian philosophers, such as Augustine, incorporated scriptural authority into their theories of justice, deriving a simple definition of justice as the virtue by which all people are given their due (Augustine, City of God, 19.4).

Contained within Augustine’s brief definition of justice is the concept of fairness which involves being rewarded or punished based on one’s own actions. The Apostle John in 1 John turns that on its head. The bible says that all of humanity deserves punishment for their sinful actions. Although the Old Testament’s laws and sacrificial system brought temporary relief from the consequences of sin, Jesus did what the law could not do. As Paul writes in Romans 8:3, “For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.”

Justice demands a consequence equal to the action committed. If we all were “given our due” for the actions, thoughts and attitudes we display on a daily basis, we deserve death. Jesus, through his atoning work on the cross, took our consequences on his shoulders, paying the price for our sins. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because of his great love for us.

Jesus, what a glorious work you did on my behalf when you laid down your life on the cross. Our Heavenly Father, who embodies justice, accepted your death as the punishment I deserved. Thank you so much.

Throughout This Day: Whenever you hear someone utter the phrase, “that’s not fair,” remember that God does not treat you fairly. If he did, you could not stand in his presence. Thank him for the grace he has shown you through Jesus.