The Justice, Mercy and Righteousness of God in the Gospel

[Robert Pate]

In all of God's dealings with fallen humanity he is just, merciful and righteous. Nowhere is more evident than in the Gospel.

In the Gospel God punishes his Son Jesus Christ instead of fallen man who is the sinner and violator of God's Holy Law.

"For he has made him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be become the righteousness of God in him" 2 Corinthians 5:29.

We are the guilty ones. We are the ones that broke God's Holy Law. We are the sinners, not Jesus Christ. Jesus was without sin. Yet there he is, taking our punishment for us. Is this justice? No, this is Mercy. God was merciful in sending his Son Jesus Christ into the world to die for our sins. God's law says... "The soul that sins must die" Christ dies for us, in our place.

We don't want justice, we want mercy. God would have been just if he just would have just wrapped up this whole universe in one big ball of fire when Adam sinned. Instead, he sends his Son Jesus Christ into the world to die for the sins of the world. Jesus is God's new Adam and the representative of the human race. His mission was to do for us that which we cannot do for ourselves.

God requires two things for the salvation of fallen man.

1. A life of perfect obedience according to his Holy Law.

2. A perfect atonement for the sins of humanity.

We cannot offer either one, we can't even come close. Sinners cannot save sinners, nor can sinners save themselves. This is the plight of fallen man. He stands before God's Holy Court as guilty and condemned. God is just. The justice of God's law demands that he be condemned. But God does not give us justice, instead he gives us mercy.

God is righteous, because he is righteous he must judge sin. If he didn't judge sin he would not be righteous. All that Adam did was he ate forbidden fruit. The sin was not really that bad, but because God is Holy and righteous, judgement and condemnation fell on Adam and Eve. Today, humanity is still suffering from the consequences from Adam's sin.

How righteous is God? Jesus Christ is the epitome of God's righteousness. He is the righteousness of God incarnate in human flesh. Jesus Christ had to be the "Lamb of God" that was without spot or wrinkle or he could not have atoned for our sins. When God made Jesus to be sin for us, we were being made the righteousness of God in him, 2 Corinthians 5:21. God saw sinful humanity in his Son Jesus Christ and put him to death, Romans 6:6. "The just for the unjust". When Jesus died on the cross, we died with him. When Jesus walked out of Joseph's new tomb, we walked out with him. When Jesus ascended into heaven, we ascended with him.

God now sees all things in his Son Jesus Christ. As far as God is concerned Jesus Christ has victoriously defeated sin, death and the devil and now sits in heaven as... "The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords" Revelation 19:16. And we are complete in him, Colossians 2:10.

 

[Robert Pate]

In all of God's dealings with fallen humanity he is just, merciful and righteous. Nowhere is more evident than in the Gospel.

In the Gospel God punishes his Son Jesus Christ instead of fallen man who is the sinner and violator of God's Holy Law.

"For he has made him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be become the righteousness of God in him" 2 Corinthians 5:29.

We are the guilty ones. We are the ones that broke God's Holy Law. We are the sinners, not Jesus Christ. Jesus was without sin. Yet there he is, taking our punishment for us. Is this justice? No, this is Mercy. God was merciful in sending his Son Jesus Christ into the world to die for our sins. God's law says... "The soul that sins must die" Christ dies for us, in our place.

We don't want justice, we want mercy. God would have been just if he just would have just wrapped up this whole universe in one big ball of fire when Adam sinned. Instead, he sends his Son Jesus Christ into the world to die for the sins of the world. Jesus is God's new Adam and the representative of the human race. His mission was to do for us that which we cannot do for ourselves.

God requires two things for the salvation of fallen man.

1. A life of perfect obedience according to his Holy Law.

2. A perfect atonement for the sins of humanity.

We cannot offer either one, we can't even come close. Sinners cannot save sinners, nor can sinners save themselves. This is the plight of fallen man. He stands before God's Holy Court as guilty and condemned. God is just. The justice of God's law demands that he be condemned. But God does not give us justice, instead he gives us mercy.

God is righteous, because he is righteous he must judge sin. If he didn't judge sin he would not be righteous. All that Adam did was he ate forbidden fruit. The sin was not really that bad, but because God is Holy and righteous, judgement and condemnation fell on Adam and Eve. Today, humanity is still suffering from the consequences from Adam's sin.

How righteous is God? Jesus Christ is the epitome of God's righteousness. He is the righteousness of God incarnate in human flesh. Jesus Christ had to be the "Lamb of God" that was without spot or wrinkle or he could not have atoned for our sins. When God made Jesus to be sin for us, we were being made the righteousness of God in him, 2 Corinthians 5:21. God saw sinful humanity in his Son Jesus Christ and put him to death, Romans 6:6. "The just for the unjust". When Jesus died on the cross, we died with him. When Jesus walked out of Joseph's new tomb, we walked out with him. When Jesus ascended into heaven, we ascended with him.

God now sees all things in his Son Jesus Christ. As far as God is concerned Jesus Christ has victoriously defeated sin, death and the devil and now sits in heaven as... "The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords" Revelation 19:16. And we are complete in him, Colossians 2:10.

Many believe that it is the Gospel plus their religion. If it is the Gospel plus anything it is not the Gospel, instead it is a perverted Gospel or another Gospel. Paul said to the Galatians, "I marvel that you are so soon removed from him that called you unto the grace of Christ unto another Gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the Gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you than which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed" Galatians 1:6-8.

 

[journeymanisnothing]

In the Gospel God punishes his Son Jesus Christ instead of fallen man who is the sinner and violator of God's Holy Law.

Hello Robert Pate.
I was taught this also, but it isn't true.

"For he has made him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be become the righteousness of God in him" 2 Corinthians 5:29.

Our Lord was falsely accused and convicted as a sinner. That's the only way our innocent Savior appeared as sin.

 

[JackrabbitSlim]

1. A life of perfect obedience according to his Holy Law.

1. What is His Holy Law?
2. What happens if one is unable to keep the Law?

 

[Robert Pate]

Hello Robert Pate.
I was taught this also, but it isn't true.

Our Lord was falsely accused and convicted as a sinner. That's the only way our innocent Savior appeared as sin.

What about this? "For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" 2 Corinthians 5:21.

 

[Robert Pate]

1. What is His Holy Law?
2. What happens if one is unable to keep the Law?

The law is the nature and the character of God. To keep the law you would have to be God or Jesus Christ.

No one can keep the law, "By the law is the knowledge of sin" Romans 3:20.

If you violate God's law the penalty is death, spiritual death. This is why we need a savior.

 

[journeymanisnothing]

What about this? "For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Dear friend,
He's saying he appeared that way, because the only alternative to discontinue showing mercy and forgiveness toward people who are sinning against you, is to bring judgement against them.
False testimony intended to convict and execute an innocent man, is punishable by death to the false witnesses. Look at what the law says,

if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother; Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you. Deu.19:18-19

Now look at what happened to our innocent Savior,

At the last came two false witnesses, Mt.26:60

Had Jesus wanted to enforce the law, those men would be dead. Now look back at 2Cor.5 and read vs.20 in connection with vs.21. Paul is teaching us that as Ambassadors for Christ, as Gods' ministers on earth, we should show the same light toward darkness that our God Almighty did. He will hold our frail hands as he leads us through whatever may come.

People who were standing at the foot of his cross should have wept over the sins committed against him. Many did. Others mocked.

 

[Robert Pate]

Dear friend,
He's saying he appeared that way, because the only alternative to discontinue showing mercy and forgiveness toward people who are sinning against you, is to bring judgement against them.
False testimony intended to convict and execute an innocent man, is punishable by death to the false witnesses. Look at what the law says,

if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother; Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you. Deu.19:18-19

Now look at what happened to our innocent Savior,

At the last came two false witnesses, Mt.26:60

Had Jesus wanted to enforce the law, those men would be dead. Now look back at 2Cor.5 and read vs.20 in connection with vs.21. Paul is teaching us that as Ambassadors for Christ, as Gods' ministers on earth, we should show the same light toward darkness that our God Almighty did. He will hold our frail hands as he leads us through whatever may come.

People who were standing at the foot of his cross should have wept over the sins committed against him. Many did. Others mocked.

God placed the sins of humanity on Jesus and put him to death. This is what the scripture is saying. Jesus died in our place and took our death upon himself.

 

[journeymanisnothing]

God placed the sins of humanity on Jesus and put him to death.

No he didn't. The sins of mankind were inflicted on the Son because men hated him and in this mankind showed their contempt for the Father,

I endure the insults of those who insult you. Psa.69:9

You didn't look at my last post with an unbiased view. You couldn't admit that bearing false witness and the harm that comes from it is wrong. It's sin against God and it was committed against his Son
I only hope that you will look at Psa. 69:9 and realize the wrongdoing doen to the Son, was an insult to the Father.

This is what the scripture is saying. Jesus died in our place and took our death upon himself.

No my friend. The scroliptures teach us that Gods' longsuffering mercy toward sinners was perfectly displayed by his Son. Jesus' loving conduct toward his antagonists is the only thing our Father was pleased about

He that hateth me hateth my Father also. Jn.15:23

if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 1Pet.2:20

That's what Jesus showed us. God doesn't punish the innocent for what the guilty do, because God is just.

 

[JackrabbitSlim]

No he didn't.

How do you reconcile 2 Cor. 5:21, which reads;
"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."?

 

[Robert Pate]

No he didn't. The sins of mankind were inflicted on the Son because men hated him and in this mankind showed their contempt for the Father,

I endure the insults of those who insult you. Psa.69:9

You didn't look at my last post with an unbiased view. You couldn't admit that bearing false witness and the harm that comes from it is wrong. It's sin against God and it was committed against his Son
I only hope that you will look at Psa. 69:9 and realize the wrongdoing doen to the Son, was an insult to the Father.

No my friend. The scroliptures teach us that Gods' longsuffering mercy toward sinners was perfectly displayed by his Son. Jesus' loving conduct toward his antagonists is the only thing our Father was pleased about

He that hateth me hateth my Father also. Jn.15:23

if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 1Pet.2:20

That's what Jesus showed us. God doesn't punish the innocent for what the guilty do, because God is just.

You don't have the truth.

"For Christ has also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" 1 Peter 3:18.

 

[journeymanisnothing]

How do you reconcile 2 Cor. 5:21, which reads;
"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."?

I just told you how they're reconciled. The only way to make someone who is innocent appear as "sin", or sinful or evil, is to lie about them.

 

[journeymanisnothing]

You don't have the truth.

"For Christ has also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" 1 Peter 3:18.

I don't ignore what the Bible says about Gods' character. I don't ignore what God says about how sinners should view his law.
You've cited no scripture that disagrees with my view, but the scripture I cited is contrary to your understanding.

 

[Robert Pate]

I don't ignore what the Bible says about Gods' character. I don't ignore what God says about how sinners should view his law.
You've cited no scripture that disagrees with my view, but the scripture I cited is contrary to your understanding.

Notice that it says, "The just for the unjust" 1 Peter 3:18. we are the unjust that Jesus died for.

 

[journeymanisnothing]

Notice that it says, "The just for the unjust" 1 Peter 3:18. we are the unjust that Jesus died for.

Yes, for the unjusts welfare, to bring them to repentance. Not for in place of the unjust. God doesn't allow the just to suffer or die inplace of the unjust,

The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the childrenbe put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin. Deu.24:16

Repentance prevents the unjust from dying for their sins. That's why our Lord said,

except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Lk.13:3

Pleade understand that when scripture speaks of Jesus bearing our sins, it means

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: Pro.6:16

Read (in Pro.6:17-19) what those 7 things God hates are, because they were 7 sins that were all committed against Gods' Son.

 

[Robert Pate]

Yes, for the unjusts welfare, to bring them to repentance. Not for in place of the unjust. God doesn't allow the just to suffer or die inplace of the unjust,

The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the childrenbe put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin. Deu.24:16

Repentance prevents the unjust from dying for their sins. That's why our Lord said,

except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Lk.13:3

Pleade understand that when scripture speaks of Jesus bearing our sins, it means

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: Pro.6:16

Read (in Pro.6:17-19) what those 7 things God hates are, because they were 7 sins that were all committed against Gods' Son.

The purpose of Christ death on the cross was to atone for the sins of the whole world, 1 John 2:2. No one will enter heaven that has not had their sins atoned for. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins, Hebrews 9:22. Your doctrine is not Christian.

 

[journeymanisnothing]

The purpose of Christ death on the cross was to atone for the sins of the whole world, 1 John 2:2. No one will enter heaven that has not had their sins atoned for. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins, Hebrews 9:22. Your doctrine is not Christian.

I hear what you're saying loud and clear, my friend. At one time, I looked at the scriptures you're citing the same way you do.
Since then, I've examined what "atonement" actually means and why there is no forgiven sin without bloodshed.

"Atonement", or "recite reconcilliation", or "propitiation" is the means by which sinners are forgiven and made right with God. That is only accomplished by agreeing that God is merciful and willing to forgive the repentant. This is what Christ taught and displayed toward sinners who hated him. That's all.

Now, why is the shedding of blood necessary to forgive sin? Simply because our Lord shed his blood never denying his Father. His blood is synonymous with his life. Pouring his entire life out in sacrifice to his Father. This is why Heb.12:4 says,

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Did you hear him? Shedding of blood = Ceasing from sin. Scripture tells us over and over, OT, or NT, that repentance is turning to our Savior and following him and when we do that, we will be ceasing from sin.
Jesus and the Apostles shed their blood striving against sin. His followers perfectly understood that they were in a war.

Our King wasn't being punished by a vengeful bloodthirsty God. He was punished by sinners who hated God. They hated him because he is God.

 

[Robert Pate]

I hear what you're saying loud and clear, my friend. At one time, I looked at the scriptures you're citing the same way you do.
Since then, I've examined what "atonement" actually means and why there is no forgiven sin without bloodshed.

"Atonement", or "recite reconcilliation", or "propitiation" is the means by which sinners are forgiven and made right with God. That is only accomplished by agreeing that God is merciful and willing to forgive the repentant. This is what Christ taught and displayed toward sinners who hated him. That's all.

Now, why is the shedding of blood necessary to forgive sin? Simply because our Lord shed his blood never denying his Father. His blood is synonymous with his life. Pouring his entire life out in sacrifice to his Father. This is why Heb.12:4 says,

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Did you hear him? Shedding of blood = Ceasing from sin. Scripture tells us over and over, OT, or NT, that repentance is turning to our Savior and following him and when we do that, we will be ceasing from sin.
Jesus and the Apostles shed their blood striving against sin. His followers perfectly understood that they were in a war.

Our King wasn't being punished by a vengeful bloodthirsty God. He was punished by sinners who hated God. They hated him because he is God.

"For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" 2 Corinthians 5:21.

"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that hence forth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is free from sin" Romans 6:6-7.

If you don't believe that Christ atoned for your sins, then you will probably go into the judgment in your sins.

 

[journeymanisnothing]

"For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" 2 Corinthians 5:21.

"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that hence forth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is free from sin" Romans 6:6-7.

If you don't believe that Christ atoned for your sins, then you will probably go into the judgment in your sins.

I just showed how Christ brought me into atonement with him. Jesus only appeared as a sinner to people who didn't know him,

Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. Jn.9:24

People are only with Christ when they put sinful desire to death.

 

[Robert Pate]

I just showed how Christ brought me into atonement with him. Jesus only appeared as a sinner to people who didn't know him,

Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. Jn.9:24

People are only with Christ when they put sinful desire to death.

All of humanity was crucified with Christ, Romans 6:18. All sin has been atoned for, 1 John 2:2. All of humanity has been reconciled unto God, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. Unfortunately, all of humanity does not want to be reconciled unto God, they are the lost.