Yes, again so timely, I had just read some questionable posts from at least one seemingly sound Christian who seemed to be saying the Old Testament was outdated and only the ‘evolved’ New Testament applied now to Christians, especially because of the Old Testament’s ‘violent, bizarre and irrelevant standards’. I struggled with how to address such and shortly thereafter sat down to this sobering confirmation of God’s consistent just and holy character, praise Him! And yes, “the Cross is the most violent expression of God’s wrath and justice”, again praise Him, where would we be without it?!
Especially in this entitled society, “we expect and demand mercy and take grace for granted. In creation God is not obliged to give us the gift of life; all sin is cosmic treason deemed worthy of death.”

“There is a false conflict between the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament code represents a bending over backward of divine patience and forbearance; God’s patience is designed to lead us to repentance; justice is delayed so grace would have time to work.” How unbelievably amazing! “If the supreme judge is unjust we have no hope of justice ever prevailing.”
And so again we, as His image-bearers, pray for those who are mis-reading The Author of our faith and salvation and ask God to open their hearts and minds to fresh revelations of who He really is. I know it’s very sad and challenging to me when people misread who I am, how much more unjust and tragic when we don’t truly get our Creator.

Genesis 1:26 says that man is made in God’s image and man is placed into the earth to rule over all of creation. After reading this chapter I truly realize how man has transgressed the ninth commandment…. Not to bear false witness. Here we are on the earth telling all of creation that the way that I am acting is just how God acts. False witness. It indeed is only the grace of God that He has not cried out to the universe “Impostor”. He sent Jesus to be the one and only true image bearer so far. Jesus became the first fruits of a new creation of image bearers that will inhabit the new heavens and the new earth. Justice will have been completed.

This is probably my favorite chapter by far in the book. The author definitely has a way of making the point simply yet profoundly in such a way that challenges me to examine myself. “God owes us nothing.” In a society where people feel entitled to everything and there are daily uses of words like equitable and equal outcomes – what an odd concept. And yet “God is not obligated to treat all people equally.” “God never owes grace.” He shows mercy on whom He chooses. It will always be right because He is God. “What God does is always consistent with who God is. He always acts according to His holy character.” Why did God redeem me? I truly cannot fathom it, but I am so grateful that He did. May we never lose the awe of who He is and what He has done.

Having read this once before it became stingingly apparent that we humans have an innate ability to not only justify our own views but in doing so we even judge God for not being as “fair” minded as we are. Virtue signaling that has its root in spiritual blindness and self will. Learning to accept the revelation of truth about God’s perfect “ otherness” revealed in perfect acts of justice should only cause us to worship Him more and humble us to realize it is only by His grace that are in His kingdom. Praise His Holy Name!

Having read this once before it became stingingly apparent that we humans have an innate ability to not only justify our own views but in doing so we even judge God for not being as “fair” minded as we are. Virtue signaling that has its root in spiritual blindness and self will. Learning to accept the revelation of truth about God’s perfect “ otherness” revealed in perfect acts of justice should only cause us to worship Him more and humble us to realize it is only by His grace that are in His kingdom. Praise His Holy Name!

I really enjoyed this chapter just like everyone else! So rich and full of biblical truth, and to echo what everyone has said, so countercultural to the perspectives of our society today. I really grew from and appreciated the distinction of justice when it comes to people vs. people and people vs. God. We may have a heart for justice and equity on this earth as it relates to how people treat other people, but we never have a claim of injustice against God. His grace, his love, his forgiveness, his Law.. it is all mercy.

Like someone else said, I appreciated the comparison of OT vs. NT and how God’s mercy shines through both. Sin = death, and any path God provided for life, forgiveness and restoration is his mercy, be it through a temple sacrifice or eventually through Jesus’ sacrifice.

I’ve heard believers and non-believers alike ask how someone like Hitler, or other historical figures with much blood on their hands could be forgiven and make it into heaven. I really liked Sproul’s comment that, “not even the most vile human act could come close to our wickedness before God.” At the core, our understanding of justice must be rooted in our ability to recognize our infinite sin and wickedness before God. Forget Hitler, or the MOST evil person you can think of. Think of YOU! of ME! Deep down I think most of us really do think we “deserve more grace.”

Looking forward to the latter half of the book!