Justice and mercy are the two equal and opposite responses to laws broken. In this chapter, Bridges describes the dilemma we face as we think about the justice we deserve and the mercy we want, we have to come to grips with the reality of who God is and what his plans are for the world.

Justice may be defined as rednering to everyone according to one’s due. Justice means we get exactly what we deserve—nothing more, nothing less… God does not exalt His mercy at the expense of His justice.

The answer to our dilemma lies in the cross. Through His death on the cross Jesus fully satisfied the justice of God on our behalf…

Through His representative union with us, Jesus assumed our obligation to perfectly obey the Law of God and obeyed it to the letter. Through that same union Jesus assumed our liability for not obeying the Law and paid that liability to the utmost. He fully and completely satisfied the justice of God on our behalf as our substitute. Therefore, everyone who has trusted in Christ as Savior can say, ‘God’s justice toward me is satisfied.’”

The death of Jesus was a complete and full satisfaction of divine justice for all who trust in Him. At the cross there is no tension between justice and mercy; instead, they meet in full harmony. Therefore, as believers we can rejoice in the abundant mercy of God through Christ, while at the same time fully honoring the inviolate nature of His holy justice.

Talk to your parents about these questions:

• To what extent do you live with the fear that God will punish you—or is punishing you—for your sins? What prompts you to fear or not fear this?
• How will knowing that Christ has satisfied God’s justice on yoru behalf affect the way you deal with: a) an experience of suffering? b) yourself when you sin? c) an experience when someone else sins against you?

Categories: Summer Reading '07, five15 blog