give it up for wrath
This may sound a bit strange but my latest favorite reason for being a Christian is the final judgment. It does my heart good to know that at some future undisclosed date all of humanity will get what they deserve. Kidnappers, rapists, and murders will not go free. Every government cover-up will be exposed, and every perpetrator of deceit will receive their just penalty. The death of my cousin, who was mistaken for a gang member will not be forgotten as another unsolved drive by in Chicago's south side. My aunt's tears and unanswered questions will not forever be ignored. There will be a day of reckoning. There is one judge who knows the hearts of men and can require just payment for every violence.
Our justice system can not mitigate the true requirements of justice, and yet every unknown victim cries out for vindication. If this world is the announcer of final arbitration then every human longing for justice will go unanswered. There must be a future, final word where justice triumphs and every victim is avenged.
This may seem a little contrary to the traditional presentation of the gospel, which emphasizes that because of God's mercy we are not getting what we deserve. It is not, however, that God has had some lapse in his commitment to justice, but rather that his love has provided a way to escape the deserved wrath justice often required. If this extension of love toward humanity is not embraced, however, there will be to escaping the requirements of justice without mercy's mitigation.
I am still quite mystified about the relation of God's love to his justice; I am grateful for both, but wonder how they work together without one trumping the other.
jamaica - i must say i am the proud sister-in-law. for on this day, january 28, you have actually posted. i applaud you for your wonderful efforts, for they have made my reading worthwhile. i always enjoy your ponderings. mucho amore my dear sweet girl.
Without the existance of judgment and a supreme judge, there could be no mercy. There can be no justice without both mercy and judgment. But, is God not merciful, or just if He delays His judgment and mercy? Your aunt must certainly question that, if she cannot grasp the character of God as good, kind, and always loving in His motives and actions. Children can't understand why a parent won't give them all they think they need when they think they need it. Yet, parents' delayed actions are tied up in the nature of their loving motivation towards their children ( if that is indeed in their nature).