The Justice of God has been accomplished in the gospel such that we are offered, not only forgiveness FROM God, but the ability to forgive LIKE God. However, without the evidence of God’s forgiveness, we are remaining under His wrath, storing up future judgement for us on the day of Jesus’ return.
Definitions:
- Forgiveness – to frustrate immorality
- Wrath – to fulfill immorality
– Biblical Justice requires that both Forgiveness and Wrath have a cost
Context Observations:
- Forgiveness is absolutely necessary in God’s design for a new humanity
- Forgiveness is the centerpiece of the good news of the gospel
- The reality of God’s justice is what makes forgiveness possible
Conclusions:
- Forgiveness under God’s justice is limitless
- Forgiveness under God’s justice begins by remembering our own debt
- Forgiveness under God’s justice facilitates reconciliation
- Unforgiveness means you haven’t understood God’s grace, God’s design, or God’s wrath
Level 1. Do good to those who do good to you
Level 2. Love your neighbor as yourself
Level 3. Love as I have loved you
Application:
- Be reconciled to God now
- Forgive one another as Jesus has forgiven you
- Forgive as evidence of God’s design for humanity
Luke 24:46-47
“He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
1 Corinthians 15:3
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures”
Colossians 2:13-14
“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”
Hebrews 10:30-31
“For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
1 Peter 2:21-23
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
Matthew 5:43-47
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
2 Thessalonians 1:5-10
“All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.”
Romans 2:5-9
“But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile”
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Romans 12:9-21
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”