The Justice of God

The Justice of God

Introduction:
Romans 2:4–11 teaches that God is both good and severe, patient and just. While the thought of His justice may seem uncomfortable, it reminds us that God is holy, righteous, and fair. The same God who loves and forgives also judges and punishes sin. Understanding His justice helps us better appreciate His mercy and the salvation He offers through Christ.

The Nature of God

The Bible reveals the complete character of God. Psalm 86:15 declares that the Lord is “full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” God’s mercy allows sinners time to repent and find forgiveness. He is also a God of love—1 John 4:8 tells us, “God is love.” Yet His love does not cancel His holiness. Leviticus 19:2 commands, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”

Deuteronomy 32:4 describes God as “the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice.” His actions are always right and lawful. Romans 2:4–11 explains that God’s goodness is meant to lead people to repentance, but those who harden their hearts store up wrath for themselves. His judgment is always fair, rewarding those who do good and punishing those who do evil, without partiality.

God’s justice is not arbitrary. Romans 2:6 declares that He “will render to each one according to his deeds.” He does not condemn anyone unfairly; rather, He judges based on what each person has done. Acts 10:34–35 reinforces this truth: “In every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” Both the goodness and the severity of God must be considered together, for both reflect His perfect nature.

God’s Righteous Judgment

Because God is just, His judgment is righteous. 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10 teaches that it is “a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest.” When Christ returns, He will take vengeance on those who do not know God or obey the gospel. This vengeance is not vindictive—it is justice administered by divine authority.

Romans 3:5–6 confirms that God is not unjust when He punishes sin. His righteousness demands that sin be dealt with. Those who reject God’s truth and persist in rebellion bring judgment upon themselves. 1 Peter 4:17–18 reminds us that judgment begins with the household of God, but if even the righteous are saved with difficulty, what will become of those who refuse to obey?

The justice of God is also seen in His separation from sin. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 describes everlasting destruction as being “away from the presence of the Lord.” This separation is not annihilation but eternal ruin—a conscious exclusion from God’s fellowship. Matthew 7:21–23 records Jesus saying that many will claim to know Him, yet He will say, “I never knew you.” Justice and righteousness demand that those who practice lawlessness face the consequences of their choices.

The Greek root behind the words “righteous,” “just,” “vengeance,” and “punishment” is the same—it conveys one unified idea of divine fairness. God’s justice is not cruelty; it is the expression of His perfect righteousness and truth.

The Justice of God Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: Romans 2:4–11 – God’s justice reveals both His goodness and His severity.

• I. The Nature of God

  • Psalm 86:15 – God of mercy and compassion.

  • 1 John 4:8 – God of love.

  • Leviticus 19:2 – God of holiness.

  • Deuteronomy 32:4 – God of justice.

  • Romans 2:4–11 – The goodness and severity of God.

  • 2 Peter 3:9 – God’s patience gives time for repentance.

  • Ezekiel 18:31–32 – God desires the sinner to live.

  • Romans 2:13 – Judgment based on actions, not intentions.

  • Acts 10:34–35 – God shows no partiality.

   

• II. God’s Righteous Judgment

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10 – God’s just repayment and vengeance.

  • Romans 3:5–6 – God’s righteousness upheld in judgment.

  • 1 Peter 4:17–18 – Judgment begins at the house of God.

  • Romans 12:19 – “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.”

  • Matthew 7:21–23 – Judgment of the disobedient.

   

• III. The Cross and Justice of God

  • Romans 3:23–26 – God is both just and the justifier through Christ.

  • The cross satisfies divine justice while showing mercy.

  • Christ’s blood provides the only means of forgiveness.

   

Call to Action:
We must remember that God’s justice is not meant to drive us to despair but to repentance. His righteousness reveals our need for grace. Through Christ’s sacrifice, God remains just while forgiving sinners. Let each of us respond with humble obedience, trusting in the mercy made available through the cross, and living faithfully before the righteous Judge.

Key Takeaways:

• God is merciful, loving, holy, and just (Psalm 86:15; Leviticus 19:2).

• God’s justice is impartial and based on deeds (Romans 2:6, Acts 10:34–35).

• His vengeance is righteous and measured (2 Thessalonians 1:6–8).

• Eternal separation from God is the ultimate consequence of sin (2 Thessalonians 1:9).

• Through Christ, justice and mercy meet perfectly (Romans 3:23–26).

Scripture Reference List:

• Romans 2:4–11 – The goodness and severity of God.

• Psalm 86:15 – The mercy and compassion of God.

• 1 John 4:8 – God is love.

• Leviticus 19:2 – The holiness of God.

• Deuteronomy 32:4 – God’s perfect justice.

• 2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 18:31–32 – God’s desire for repentance.

• Romans 2:13 – Justified by obedience.

• Acts 10:34–35 – God’s impartial judgment.

• 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10 – Righteous judgment and retribution.

• Romans 3:5–6 – The righteousness of divine wrath.

• Romans 12:19 – Vengeance belongs to the Lord.

• Matthew 7:21–23 – The final judgment of the disobedient.

• Romans 3:23–26 – The cross satisfies divine justice.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO