The Just God

The Just God

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

Psalm 1:5

Is Jesus just? That seems to be a silly question, but let us think about it for a moment. We often hear people tout the concept, ‘We must forgive as Jesus forgives.’ Absolutely. How exactly does Jesus forgive? Everywhere in the Scripture, we find that Christ forgives on the basis of repentance. In Luke 13, where Christ spoke of the death of the Galileans, and the destruction of the people upon whom the tower of Siloam fell, He preached repentance. In Luke 17, He lays down the basis for repeated forgiveness of an offending brother as repentance. We may pile example upon example, but the analogy of the faith is that repentance toward God and forgiveness from God are inextricably linked. Therefore, when we come to our text today what must we conclude? ‘Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.’ Why is it that they are unable to stand in the judgment? Is it because Christ will not forgive? No. It is because they refuse to repent. Psalm 130:4 tells us, ‘There is forgiveness with You.’ Christ stands utterly willing to forgive. He is ever disposed to forgive. He loves to forgive. It is but our pride and hardness of heart that holds us back from receiving this open-handed, open-hearted forgiveness. Why should you ‘stand without?’ Repent and believe the Gospel. Let not your soul be numbered with the breakers of Gods’ Law. Repent today, while yet there is opportunity. He will utterly forgive, and you shall be saved.

Our Great and Forgiving God,
we praise You and thank You,
that the Blood of Jesus Christ, Your Son,
does indeed cleanse us from all sin.
‘Wash me O, Lamb of God,
wash me from sin by Your Atoning Blood,
Oh, make me clean.’

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning