Justice and Grace (some thoughts)

For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. [John 1.17]

God's unfailing love and faithfulness already existed before Jesus, right? Yes, in fact, it did and we have repeated accounts of this God's character throughout the Old Testament.

I have no idea what it is about this scripture today that draws me to write about it, but I know there is something fantastic about it!

The law was given through Moses - that would be God's justice. So, God's justice came through Moses. That part of God that is perfect and completely holy - that part that cannot be touched or even approached by unholy man. God's justice is pure - it is unbending and unyielding.

Grace, which Jesus has brought into the picture, is another characteristic of God - not as in a split personality, but as in a completely whole personality lacking nothing! Grace is God's love and faithfulness in action. 

God is love the Bible says. God has justice. Or, perhaps God is justice as well - I don't know for sure. I suppose He can be both because He is the perfect source of both. There is no conflict because both these characteristics are in their purest form and reside together perfectly.

The "fly in the ointment" for man is sin - disobedience. In fact, God's justice and grace react differently to disobedience. God's justice is required by sin and God's love and faithfulness are repelled by sin.

To remedy sin for God's justice, repentance followed by a painstaking effort of prescribed sacrifices and rituals is required (Moses - the Law).

To remedy sin for God's love and faithfulness, repentance followed by faith in Jesus is required.

Both remedies are required! Neither requirement has passed away or become invalid! But, thank God, Jesus has taken care of the justice part for us! BUT WE MUST TAKE CARE OF THE LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS PART WITH OUR FAITH! This requires no less repentance and obedience. The more disobedience, the more repentance and faith are required!

Grace is the provision of Jesus for the justice side of God. Love and faithfulness is the provision of faith to believe in Jesus!

These thoughts are scattered, I know. But it is refreshing to think through this scripture in John 1.17 and at least refresh a thought pattern about grace and justice.

Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for Your Story! Thank You for drawing my spirit to Yours each and every day!