Thought for the Month - October 2003
Just thinking about Justice - By Barry Adair
My best mate in work is moralistic but is not a Christian. He has recently been pointing out the complete injustice which has permeated our society today. Here in Northern Ireland, as part of the on-going, so-called, "Peace Process", we have allowed former (and many still unrepentant) terrorists and godfathers of murder and mayhem into local government!
In England today, if you defend yourself and your property against robbers and thieves, injuring them can land you in jail. You may also have to compensate those who would have harmed you or your property!
Isaiah 59:4 (NASB) "No one sues righteously and no one pleads honestly. They trust in confusion, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity"
And my examples of injustice pale into insignificance when you read some of the stories from Kosova, Cambodia, Rwanda, Tibet and Zimbabwe (to name but a few).
So what is the real problem here and what is the solution?
- The real problem, simply put, is people
- The truth is that the human race is sinful
- Individuals are sinful, some more than others
- And this sin is personal sin
It is NOT caused by poor parenting, poor housing, poor schooling but by the personal choice, both good and bad of individuals.
Can I take the disease AIDS as an example. This is an awful disease and I have heard and read a lot about it. Millions of pounds in research is being spent on a wonder drug to cure this disease. One thing I have yet to read is that if we could have taken away the practices of homosexuality or of promiscuous pre-marital sex, this dreadful disease would be a miniscule part of the global epidemic it is today. It is what it is today mainly because of sexual practices which were not part of God's plan for the human race.
And the solution?
Going back to my good friend in work, he would like a giant asteroid to strike the earth so that things could start over again. If not this, he would like the law of the land to at least deal justly with the filth of society. So will we ever see such a society?
As a Christian, I believe the Bible. And my Bible tells me that in the last days (before the return of Jesus Christ), society will get worse and worse (2 Tim 3:13).
So is there a solution?
If the problem is human beings, then the human race is hardly going to come up with a solution!
- Only God can and will solve the problem of sin
- Only God can and will put right the injustices that characterise our nations today
- Only God can and will punish gross iniquity
- Only God can and will reward the upright
When Jesus died on that centre cross, I know that He died for me because of my sin. But He also did it for the sin of the world.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life"
And Jesus said He will come back again. This time it will not be as a helpless baby but as the awesome Son of God coming in judgement (Rev 19:11-16). God will put things to right. A holy God cannot allow sin to go unpunished and He won't.
I also believe that personal punishment for sin will be in relation to the wickedness of each individual (see Luke 12:47-48 and Mark 12:40). As "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God", then all need the forgiveness that only God can offer.
Rev 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me"
Isaiah 56:1 "Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgement, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed"
Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!