Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 25

GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE: RELATIONAL JUSTICE THAT MAKES YOU RIGHT WITH GOD

THE GOD OF JUSTICE

                    RELATIONAL JUSTICE

“...whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap. ..” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB). “...For the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).  “...You have plowed wickedness,you have harvested injustice...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB). “...One who sows injustice will reap disaster...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB). “...the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice...” (Isaiah 5:16 NIV). “...he (God, the Holy Spirit) loves justice...” (Psalms 11:7 NIV). “... the holy God will be proved holy by his righteous acts...” (Isaiah 5:16 NIV).

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In the LAST BLOG we saw, in God’s answer to Habakkuk, that God is a God of JUSTICE. NO one ESCAPES his JUSTICE. Even though it LOOKS as if the wicked gets away with their EVIL DEEDS and “seemingly” without any vindication for their many crimes; THEY DON’T! “...Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb...Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be...I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found... the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off...” (Psalm 37 KJV).

One day the unrighteous WILL reap the harvest they’ve sown. Evil and wicked people are ONLY temporary and it is with CERTAINTY that the God of JUSTICE will, NO DOUBT, MAKE “ALL” things right AGAIN! “...You have plowed wickedness, you have harvested injustice...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB). “...One who sows injustice will reap disaster...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB). “...the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice...” (Isaiah 5:16 NIV).

But what is JUSTICE? Many people have been SO MISTREATED by LIFE and PEOPLE they don’t know what REAL JUSTICE is. Let’s define justice from a spiritual perspective and we will call it relational justice. Relational justice can be witnessed by God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus and is expressed as equitable love, kindness, grace, mercy forgiveness, and compassion for all of mankind equally. “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoeverbelieveth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

Relational justice is demonstrated by God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus in his FREE GIFT OFFER of SALVATION to ALL nations, who accept HIM. “…In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him and do what is right—…there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “… in every nationhe that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent … preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit’s demonstration and expression of relational JUSTICE, through Jesus SEEKS to make ALL of mankind RIGHT with HIM again. “….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT). “...all the world (every NATION) may become guilty before God....” (Romans 3:19 KJV). “...[people from “every” nation were]... enemies...” (Romans 5:10 KJV). “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “...Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in [God, the Holy Spirit’s]... sight...” (Romans 3:20 KJV).

However, “…The [equitable]... GIFT by [God’s]...grace…” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…BY GRACEhave ye been saved through… FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “...The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with faith… that are... [“through” jesus Christ]…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV).

Thus, “… the GRACE of God, and the gift by GRACE, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath ABOUNDED unto many…” (Romans 5:15 KJV).  “…God is able to make all GRACEabound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “…My GRACE is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “…They which receive abundance of GRACE … shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).

 HOW? According to, “...The grace GIVEN unto [mankind]…” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “…the grace of God which is GIVEN [to mankind]... by Jesus Christ...” (1 Corinthians 1:4 KJV). “…Every one of us is GIVEN GRACE according to the measure of the gift of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:7 KJV). “…FREELY [mankind has]... RECEIVED...” (Matthew 10:8 KJV). “...[This]...free gift leads to [mankind]... being made right with God (being reconciled to God, restored to his Holy Spirit, and MADE WHOLE again), even though [mankind (the world) from EVERY nation]... are guilty of many sins...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

Making mankind RIGHT with God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus by reconciling and restoring the “covenant unity” relationship, with HIM shows JUSTICE as a relational. “…Christ …died for sins ONCE for all…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…he (Jesus) by the graceof God should taste death for every man (woman)…” (Hebrews 3:9 KJV).   “…the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world...” (John 1:29 KJV).  “…He [became]… the atoning sacrifice for [mankind’s] sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).   “……it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

“…the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “... AS MANY as received him(Jesus), to them... [God, the Holy Spirit through Jesus GAVE them the] ... POWER TO BECOME THE SONS (DAUGHTERS) OF GOD, even to them that believe (trust and depend upon) ...his name (Jesus)…” (John 1:12 KJV). “...Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:1 KJV). “...[This]...free gift leads to [mankind]... being made right with God ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

As you can see, God’s relational JUSTICE is witnessed through SALVATION. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).   “…the wages of sin is death (which is fair and equitable)…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). EVERY HUMAN BEING, UPON EARTH and in EVERY NATION, DESERVES SPIRITUAL DEATH.

Yet, “...God’s free ...[equitable]...gift leads to [all of mankind]... being made right with God ...through [faith in]... this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he...[bore]...all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…[God sent the] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).”…  [All of mankind can be]…saved by grace through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “… [SALVATION]... IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man (woman) should glory...” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

God’s relational JUSTICE also says: “…YE SHALL DIE (which is fair) IN YOUR SINS: for IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE, YE SHALL DIE (which is fair) IN YOUR SINS…” (John 8:24 KJV). However, “…the free gift of God (which pays and erases the debt of sin) is eternal LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord (he PAID it ALL)…” (Romans 6:23 NASB). “…Christ …died for sins ONCE for all (Jesus PAID the DEBT of YOUR sin including ALL restitution) … [and] …made [every redeemed soul]… ALIVE in the spirit …” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son...the just for the unjust...that whosoever believeth in him should not perish (be punished)…” (John 3:16 KJV & 1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Thus, God is “…is “SO” RICH in kindness and GRACE that he purchased (PAID for IT) our freedom ….and forgave our sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). God “….[was]…NOT willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance...” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). “….The exceeding RICHES of his GRACE in his kindness toward [mankind]... through Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 2:7 KJV). “…be strong in the GRACE that is in Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 2:1 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God I AM what I AM (DEBT FREE)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

 “…God SO LOVED the world (ALL OF MANKIND from every NATION), that he GAVE…” (John 3:16). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “...We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). God “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but delivered him up FOR US ALL (in order to PAY our DEBT of SIN)…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “….God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for [mankind] while [they]... were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…… [Nothing]…will be able to separate [mankind]... from the [equitable]... love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB). He has “….loved [mankind]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

After God’s relational JUSTICE makes a person RIGHT with God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, they are endowed with multiple spiritual GIFTS.“…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). ”… ye [are]…saved through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man hath his proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “…his divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertainunto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

JUSTICE is an INNATE part of the DIVINE nature and is witnessed in through jesus Christ. “...The Son is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the exact representation of his being…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). Examples of God’s DIVINE character IS ALSO manifested in his NAMES: ADONAI or YAHWEH or JEHOVAH or JEHOVAH ELOHIM or EL ELYON or JEHOVAH ELOHIM which means: “LORD” "LORD God" “Most High" “lord (jesus Christ)” "LORD God."

ELOHIM or EL SHADDAI or EL-GIBHOR which means: God “Creator, Mighty and Strong” “God Almighty” “Mighty God.”

JEHOVAH –JIREH means: "The Lord Will Provide."

JEHOVAH –RAPHA means: "The Lord Who Heals."

JEHOVAH –NISSI means: "The Lord Our Banner.”

JEHOVAH -M'KADDESH means: "The Lord Who Sanctifies, Makes Holy." 

JEHOVAH –SHALOM means: "The Lord Our Peace.

JEHOVAH H-TSIDKENU means: "The Lord Our Righteousness.”

JEHOVAH –ROHI means: "The Lord Our Shepherd.

JEHOVAH –SHAMMAH means: "The Lord Is There.

JEHOVAH –SABAOTH means: "The Lord of Hosts."

EL ROI means: "God of Seeing."

EL-OLAM means: "Everlasting God."

jesus means: “savior” “anointed one” "Emmanuel: god is with us."  “… [jesus] … is the … exact representation ofhis being (nature and character)…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

God’s innate JUSTICE is witnessed through his immutable HOLINESS. HE NEVER changes and is the SAME with everyone!  “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).   “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

 OH…“THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS…” (Psalms 29:2 KJV). “…God hath not called us for uncleanness, but unto holiness…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV). “…that we might be partakers of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).  “…for I the Lord am holy,. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “….[SO] put on the new man, which after God is created in …true holiness...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV “…the BEAUTY of … [god’s] … holiness…” (2 Chronicles 16:29 KJV).

God is a God of HOLY JUSTICE; not revenge. If he wasn’t a God of JUSTICE, EVERY HUMAN BEING WOULD BE SPIRITUALLY DEAD, FOREVER. His loving, relational, justice prevented MANKIND from dying in THEIR sins. “…[He sent the] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “...God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus paid MANKIND’S debt of sin, reconciled them to himself, restored their souls, and made them WHOLE again! “…the just for the unjust, that he might bring ...[his people back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “..[They]... were reconciled to God by the death of his Son...” (Romans 5:10 KJV). “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “….Jesus Christ maketh [mankind]... WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…May God himself, … make you holy and whole, put you together … [again]—spirit,soul, and body…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “... and [they become] ...living soul[s again] …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

”…  [The LOST and SPIRITUALLY dead soul, who OWES a great DEBT of SIN is]…saved by grace through faith…it is the GIFTof God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “… [SALVATION]... IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

Mankind’s DEBT OF SIN and any restitution is PAID IN FULL!!! God’s relational JUSTICE makes mankind RIGHT and is FREELY offered to ALL who receive it through Jesus Christ! “…Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.  In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no RESPECTER OF PERSONS: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV).

“…This [was ALL]… God’s plan: [Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

“…We (redeemed people from “every” nation]... are HIS PEOPLE [EQUALLY]...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). WHO? “…Those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “...You  (God, the Holy Spirit,) surround [your people EQUALLY] WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

“… [God’s]...BLESSING is [EQUALLY]...upon THY PEOPLE (from “every” nation)…” (Psalms 3:8 KJV). “…YOU (God) MAKE [them EQUALLY]… “MOST” BLESSEDforever; …” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).

“…[Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children...” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT). “...I ...belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever...” (Psalm 73:23-26 NLT).  “...Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).  “... I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT).

God’s HOLY, loving, relational JUSTICE seeks, through Jesus, to MAKE mankind RIGHT and WHOLE! “...God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “...Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “... and man(woman) became a living soul …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

“...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “ …The Spirit of God dwelleth in you…” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV).  “…your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be preserved blameless…” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 KJV).

God’s relational JUSTICE treats ALL of mankind equitably. He acquits EVERY ONE through Jesus, regardless of their race, social status, nationality, or gender.“……There is NEITHER Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV). “…God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.  In every nationHE ACCEPTS thosewho fear him and do what is right—…there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…God is no RESPECTER OF PERSONS: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV).

“…  [Everyone, from EVERY nation] … who believe the Good News share equallyin the riches inherited by God’s children… because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  

ANYONE who is NOT acquitted from their DEBT of SIN, regardless of their race, social status, nationality, or gender WILL NOT inherit the Kingdom of God.“…He that believeth on him is not condemned: but HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, because HE HATH NOT BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God.And THIS IS THE CONDEMNATION, that light is come into the world, and MEN LOVED DARKNESS RATHER THAN LIGHT, because THEIR DEEDS WERE EVIL. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved…” (John 3:18-20 KJV).

“…When you follow the desires (influences) of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life WILL NOT inherit the Kingdom of God. …” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).

 “... I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

“...Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven...” (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV).

When the God of relational JUSTICE through Jesus FREES people of their SINS they are acquitted, are reconciled and are restored to the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit with all the BLESSINGS and FULL BENEFITS equally! “…  [Everyone, from EVERY nation] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

God’s relational JUSTICE makes people RIGHT with God again. “…God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.  In every nationHE ACCEPTS thosewho fear him and do what is right…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…God is no RESPECTER OF PERSONS: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV).

REDEEMED people are given what they are “NOW” DUE, which is his FAVOR, PROTECTION, and LOVING CARE. He TAKES care of the POOR, WIDOWS, ORPHANS, IMMIGRANTS, MARGINALIZED, DISENFRANCHISED as well as the RICH and WEALTHY with EQUAL care and concern.“…  [Everyone, from EVERY nation and EVERY walk of life] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  

When it COMES to Jesus there is NO FAVORITISM, NO RESPECTER of person, NO PRIVILEGE, but EVERYONE must come to GOD’s throne A SINNER in NEED of God, the Holy Spirit’s MERCY. “...If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth (God’s indwelling Holy Spirit) is not in us...” (1 John 1:8 KJV). “...Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye (a sinful nature) also do good, who are accustomed to do evil...”(Jeremiah 13:23 KJV).

“…The sinful nature wants to do evil ....so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions. ……” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…The sinful natureis always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“… there is none righteous; no not one...” (Romans 3:10 KJV). 

It is ONLY by FAITH through GRACE can ANYONE be saved.  SALVATION it is a FREE GIFT of God!“…  ye [are]…saved by grace through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…[SALVATION]... IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

CLEARING UP THE COMPLAINT AGAINST HIS JUSTICE & GOODNESS IN LIGHT OF WICKEDNESS & EVIL

 

“MAKING THINGS RIGHT AGAIN”

“...He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he...”(Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV).

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       The God of JUSTICE is LOVING, RIGHTEOUS, and ALL HIS WAYS are JUST. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…everything he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV). “...He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he...”(Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV).“… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

God’s WORD governs righteous behavior. God’s JUSTICE judges unrighteous behavior. “...the government will be on his (Jesus, the WORD’s) shoulders...” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV). “...judgment and justicewill be upheld…”  (Job 36:16-21 NLT). God’s WORD is the system of government in God’s Kingdom. God’s JUSTICE is the system of judgement in God’s Kingdom.

God, the Holy Spirit is responsible for making laws for the citizens of HIS kingdom. God, the Holy Spirit, manages their OVERALL well-being in all domains, and controls the supplying of their needs. “...He (God, the Holy Spirit) careth for you...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).“… [God, the Holy Spirit] ... will supply all your [need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).

God’s redeemed people are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. “…[God’s people]... are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. [They]... are members of God’s family. …” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NLT). “...[their]... citizenship is in heaven...” (Philippians 3:20 NIV). “...you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household...” (Ephesians 2:19 NASB).

In, addition, “...the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will be proved holy by his righteous acts...” (Isaiah 5:16 NIV).

God’s JUSTICE doesn’t simply punish sin and wrongdoing, but it includes treating “all” people with FAIRNESS, PROTECTING the vulnerable, showing CARE or CONCERN for all people equally,  taking a stand against INJUSTICES, and requires RIGHTEOUS behavior that reflects kindness, mercy, and compassion. “...But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand.The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out. The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror...” (Psalm 10:14-18 NIV). “...he (God, the Holy Spirit) loves justice...” (Psalms 11:7 NIV).

“...He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever.He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous...” (Psalm 146:6-8 NIV).

It is the God of JUSTICE who will acquit the innocent, condemn the guilty, expose lies and corruption. “...The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror...” (Psalm 10:14-18 NIV).

God does NOT like those who DISTORT justice by favoring the rich and oppressing the poor. “...Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly...” (Leviticus 19:15 NIV). “...He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict.  Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery...” (2 Chronicles 19:5-7 NIV). “...he (God, the Holy Spirit) loves justice...” (Psalms 11:7 NIV). “...the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice...” (Isaiah 5:16 NIV). “... the holy God will be proved holy by his righteous acts...” (Isaiah 5:16 NIV).

God is a God of JUSTICE he SEES everything and he SEES when leaders and his people DO NOT “ACT” JUSTLY by not looking out for the weak and helpless. “…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes…” (Hebrews 4:13 NLT). “...You are a God who sees me...” (Genesis 16:13 NASB). “…He hath shewed thee, O man (woman), what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV). “…O people, the Lordhas told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right (hate injustice),to love mercy (justice), and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8 NLT).  

God’s word also warns: “...Don’t pass on malicious gossip. Don’t link up with a wicked person and give corrupt testimony. Don’t go along with the crowd in doing evil and don’t mess up your testimony in a case just to please the crowd. And just because someone is poor, don’t show favoritism in a dispute...” (Exodus 23:1-3 MSG). King David prayed for King Soloman: “...Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice...” (Psalm 72:1-2 NIV).

God is a God of JUSTICE and he encourages his people to DO RIGHT and ACT JUSTLY while upon earth. “...Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow...” (Isaiah 1:17 NIV).

Job was an example of one who EXACTED God’s JUSTICE.
“...I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban. I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy;I took up the case of the stranger...” (Job 29:14-16 NIV).

A TRUE disciple, follower of God, citizen of Heaven, NEW CREATION in Christ, or redeemed child of God WORSHIP God by extending God, the Holy Spirit’s, LOVING JUSTICE to all!

God’s JUSTICE will STAND against INJUSTICE. “...I (God, the Holy Spirit) know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribesand deprive the poor of justice in the courts....” (Amos 5:12 NIV). “...People hate this kind of talk. Raw truth is never popular. But here it is, bluntly spoken: Because you run roughshod over the poorand take the bread right out of their mouths, You’re never going to move into the luxury homes you have built. You’re never going to drink wine from the expensive vineyards you’ve planted. I know precisely the extent of your violations, the enormity of your sins. Appalling! You bully right-living people, taking bribes right and left and kicking the poor when they’re down...” (Amos 5:10-12 MSG).

“…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes…” (Hebrews 4:13 NLT). “...You are a God who sees me...” (Genesis 16:13 NASB).

“...This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other...” (Zechariah 7:9-10 NIV).

“…He hath shewed thee, O man (woman), what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV).

God’s JUSTICE was HIGHLIGHTED in Jesus’ teaching and ministry upon earth. JUSTICE was NOT to be ignored or neglected! “...For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me...” (Matthew 25:35-36 NIV).  “...Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone...” (Luke 11:42 NIV).

God as a God of JUSTICE may be a hard concept to comprehend when SO MUCH evil continues. Many believers and non-believers have asked “...If God is SUCH a LOVING God why does he allow and tolerate wickedness and evil?...”

God led me to Habakkuk for the answer. Habakkuk had the SAME complaint. “...How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice?Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me;  there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted....” (Habakkuk 1:2-4 NIV).

“...God, how long do I have to cry out for help before you listen? How many times do I have to yell, “Help! Murder! Police!” before you come to the rescue? Why do you force me to look at evil, stare trouble in the face day after day? Anarchy and violence break out, quarrels and fights all over the place. Law and order fall to pieces. Justice is a joke. The wicked have the righteous hamstrung and stand justice on its head...” (Habakkuk 1:2-4 MSG).

Habakkuk like so many of God’s people didn’t KNOW how to reconcile God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS with the wickedness and evil they were SEEING and EXPERIENCING in the world. “...What’s God going to say to my questions? I’m braced for the worst.I’ll climb to the lookout tower and scan the horizon. I’ll wait to see what God says, how he’ll answer my complaint[s]...” (Habakkuk 2:1 MSG).

This is HOW the God of JUSTICE answered Habakkuk. “...Look around at the godless nations. Look long and hard. Brace yourself for a shock. Something’s about to take place and you’re going to find it hard to believe.I’m about to raise up Babylonians to punish you, Babylonians, fierce and ferocious—World-conquering Babylon,grabbing up nations right and left, A dreadful and terrible people, making up its own rules as it goes. Their horses run like the wind, attack like bloodthirsty wolves. A stampede of galloping horses thunders out of nowhere. They descend like vultures circling in on carrion. They’re out to kill. Death is on their minds.They collect victims like squirrels gathering nuts. They mock kings, poke fun at generals, Spit on forts, and leave them in the dust. They’ll all be blown away by the wind. Brazen in sin, they call strength their god...” (Habakkuk 1:5-12 MSG).

God ALLOWED the Babylonians to be IN CHARGE, for a while, to PUNISH “his” rebellious children that had been taken into exile. “...I am raising up the Babylonians (Chaldeans),that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own...” (Habakkuk 1:6 NIV). “...I’m about to raise up Babylonians to punish you, Babylonians, fierce and ferocious—World-conquering Babylon,grabbing up nations right and left...” (Habakkuk 1:5-12 MSG).

The Babylonians were wicked, terrible people, who made up laws that benefitted themselves, but God USED them to discipline his people. “...They are a feared and dreaded people; they are a law to themselves and promote their own honor...” (Habakkuk 1:7 NIV).  “...A dreadful and terrible people, making up its own rules as it goes...” (Habakkuk 1:7 MSG).

“...He careth for you (his people)...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “...For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).   

 “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are notlegitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).

God disciplines his children so “…that [they] might be partakers of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). “…Be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…I am the Lordwho makes you holy…” (Leviticus 20:8 NLT).

. “… [God allows corrections]…for [their] profit...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). “…No chastening (discipline) for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised (trained) thereby...” (Hebrews 12:11 KJV).

This is, part 2, of HOW the God of JUSTICE answered Habakkuk. God, the Holy Spirit, assured Habakkuk that the Babylonians would definitely face his JUSTICE. “...Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it...”(Habakkuk 2:2-3 NIV).“...And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it....” (Habakkuk 2:2-3 KJV).

Then God, the Holy Spirit, SAID: “...See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness—indeed, wine betrays him; he is arrogant and never at rest. Because he is as greedy as the grave and like death is never satisfied, he gathers to himself all the nationsand takes captive all the peoples. “Will not all of them taunt him with ridicule and scorn, saying, ‘Woe to him who piles up stolen goodsand makes himself wealthy by extortion! How long must this go on?’  Will not your creditors suddenly arise? Will they not wake up and make you tremble? Then you will become their prey.Because you have plundered many nations, the peoples who are left will plunder you. For you have shed human blood; you have destroyed lands and cities and everyone in them. “Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain,setting his nest on high to escape the clutches of ruin! You have plotted the ruin of many peoples, shaming your own house and forfeiting your life. The stones of the wall will cry out, and the beams of the woodwork will echo it.  “Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by injustice! Has not the Lord Almighty determined that the people’s labor is only fuel for the fire, that the nations exhaust themselves for nothing? For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.“Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies! You will be filled with shame instead of glory. Now it is your turn! Drink and let your nakedness be exposed! The cup from the Lord’s right hand is coming around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory. The violence you have done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and your destruction of animals will terrify you For you have shed human blood; you have destroyed lands and cities and everyone in them. “Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman? Or an image that teaches lies?
For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’ Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.” The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him...” (Habakkuk 2:4-20 NIV).

“...Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay...”(Habakkuk 2:2-3 NIV).

“...And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry...” (Habakkuk 2:2-3 KJV).

God basically TOLD Habakkuk that the RIGHTEOUS, in the days of trouble, would be the ones who will CONTINUE to live by faith.  “..Behold, his soul (the wicked soul) which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith...” (Habakkuk 2:4 KJV).“..For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith...” (Romans 10:17 KJV). “...But that no man (woman) is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith...” (Galatians 3:11 KJV).  “...Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man (woman) draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him...” (Hebrew 10:38 KJV).

The righteous will CONTINUE to trust and depend upon God, the Holy Spirit, and his WORD no matter what they SEE. “…live by faith, not by sight….” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

The righteous are empowered and strengthened by the indwelling Holy Spirit to SEE, through FAITH, beyond the present circumstance with confidence in the God of JUSTICE. “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).

“...He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord , He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust ...” (Psalm 91 KJV).

“...Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler...” (Psalm 91 KJV).

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

The righteous are the ONES that know their righteousness is a GIFT given to them through the blood of Jesus. “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “...God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “...his gift of righteousness ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

The righteous, through Jesus, are in right standing with God, the Holy Spirit. ... God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God ... through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).“…, my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…[He sent the] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…[salvation]… IS THE GIFT OF GOD (the Holy Spirit)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…[God’s people ARE] ... Saved by grace through faith (trust in & dependency upon God)… NOT OF [them]SELVES ... not of works , that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

 “...his gift of righteousness ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…it is the blood [of Jesus] that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

In the Old Testament when God sent a tenth and final plague upon the Egyptians which caused the death of the firstborn of both people and animals. ALL the firstborn of Egypt died on the same night, even King Pharaoh’s son, except the righteous who were COVERED by the BLOOD. (READ Exodus 111-12:36). “…This is what the Lord says: At midnight tonight I will pass through the heart of Egypt. All the firstborn sons will die in every family in Egypt, from the oldest son of Pharaoh, who sits on his throne, to the oldest son of his lowliest servant girl who grinds the flour. Even the firstborn of all the livestock will die. Then a loud wail will rise throughout the land of Egypt, a wail like no one has heard before or will ever hear again. …” (Exodus 11:4-8 NLT).

The children of Israel (God’s people, the righteous) that painted their door posts with the sacrificial blood of an animal did not lose their firstborn to death. “… But among the Israelites it will be so peaceful that not even a dog will bark. Then you will know that the Lordmakes a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites…” (Exodus 11:4-8 NLT).

This created a FEAR in the hearts and minds of the Egyptians.“… All the officials of Egypt will run to me and fall to the ground before me. ‘Please leave!’ they will beg. ‘Hurry! And take all your followers with you.’ Only then will I go!” …  The Lord caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth!” (Exodus 11:4-8, 12:34 NLT).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israel, his righteous, was delivered out of the house of bondage] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians...”(Exodus 6:6-7 KJV). “…The Lord bought  [Israel, his righteous] out with a mighty hand and redeemed [them] out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of…Egypt. … (Deuteronomy 7:8 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, DELIVERED thousands that night. “…That night the people of Israel left Rameses and started for Succoth. There were about 600,000 men, plus all the women and children…” (Exodus 12:37 NLT).

The Israelites, God’s righteous people, had been in slavery, in the land of Egypt, for over 430 years. “…The people of Israel had lived in Egypt for 430 years.  In fact, it was on the last day of the 430th year that all the Lord’s forces left the land. On this night the Lord kept his promise to bring his people out of the land of Egypt. So this night belongs to him, and it must be commemorated every year by all the Israelites, from generation to generation…” (Exodus 12:40-42 NLT).

“…I will rid you out of their bondage...”(Exodus 6:6-7 KJV). “…I will redeem you with a stretched out hand...”(Exodus 6:5:6-7 KJV). “…The Lord bought [Israel,  his righteous people] out with a mighty hand and redeemed [them] out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of…Egypt. … (Deuteronomy 7:8 KJV).

God was TOTALLY aware of the Babylonians. “…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes…” (Hebrews 4:13 NLT). “...You are a God who sees me...” (Genesis 16:13 NASB).

However, God USED the Babylonians to CHASTISE his people. God was also completely aware of the Babylonians wickedness, greedy excesses, and evil ways and his “WOES” were a warning of the coming JUDGEMENT upon them.

God allows the wicked, whose intention is to benefit themselves while harming others, in order to be fulfill his GOOD PLAN. Satan and his evil followers “…intended to harm[God’s people], but God intended it for ...[their]...good...” Genesis 50:20 NIV). “…The plans [God has]…for you…. [are]…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…all things work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV).

 “…[You]…will receive NOW in return (in this life) a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).“….If God is for us, who [or what]... can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NIV).

The God of JUSTICE’s intentions are ALWAYS pure, HOLY, good and JUST. “...For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).

God is a God of JUSTICE. He SEES the wickedness of ALL his creations and they will not go unpunished. “...whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap. ..” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB). “...For the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).  “...You have plowed wickedness,you have harvested injustice...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB). “...they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own schemes...” (Proverbs 1:31 NASB). “...One who sows injustice will reap disaster...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB).

Joseph was UNFAIRLY treated, but one day, “...Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid. Do I act for God? Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I’ll take care of you and your children.” He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart...” (Genesis 50:20-21 MSG). “...Fellow Israelites, listen carefully to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man thoroughly accredited by God to you—the miracles and wonders and signs that God did through him are common knowledge—this Jesus, following the deliberate and well-thought-out plan of God, was betrayed by men who took the law into their own hands, and was handed over to you. And you pinned him to a cross and killed him. But God untied the death ropes and raised him up. Death was no match for him. David said it all: I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; he’s right by my side. I’m glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope.I know you’ll never dump me in Hades; I’ll never even smell the stench of death. You’ve got my feet on the life-path, with your face shining sun-joy all around... (Acts 2:23-28 MSG).

God’s righteous people are ASSURED, no matter what is happening, that HIS is “…[thei]r deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB).  “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…You are veryGREAT…” (Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).

God is a God of JUSTICE, so no matter what YOU SEE; STAND FIRM! “…Let us NOT become weary in doing good,for at the PROPER TIME WE WILL REAP A HARVESTif we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). “... the faithful followers of the Lord ...keep their promises [to God]... even when it hurts...” (Psalms 15:4 NLT).

Watching WICKED and EVIL people prosper and “seemingly” get away with their many crimes could put a righteous person on the BRINK, BORDER, or EDGE, of utter DESPAIR. “...I [would have]... fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living...” (Psalm 27:13-14 KJV).

During TROUBLING times, the PATH of righteousness gets MIGHTY narrow sometimes, but at the end of the day, God’s people should, willingly choose, to continue to walk by faith and NOT to give up! “…THE WAY is narrow that LEADS TO LIFE, and there are few who find it…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).  “…Let us NOT become weary in doing good,for at the PROPER TIME WE WILL REAP A HARVESTif we do not give up...” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). “...The just shall live by faith...” (Romans 10:17 KJV). “…He willkeep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world...” (John 16:33 KJV).

“... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord....” (Psalm 27:13-14 KJV).

The God of JUSTICE says:  “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours (his righteous ONES) through Christ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

Dr. Pensacola H. Jefferson

YADA Counseling Ministry

GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE

Phoenix, Arizona

 

GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE: THE PRINCIPLE OF RESTITUTION INVOLVES GRADITUDE!

                

GOD IS A GOD OF HOLY JUSTICE: THE PRINCIPLE OF RESTITUTION INVOLVES THANKFULNESS

 “...What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me?...” (Psalms 116:12 NIV). “...What can I give back to God for the blessings he’s poured out on me?...” (Psalm 116:12-19 MSG).

“...Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms...” (Psalm 95:2 KJV).“...Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits...” (Psalm 103:2 KJV). “...O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever...” (Psalms 107:1 KJV). “... In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you...” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV). “...Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place...” (2 Corinthians 2:14 KJV). “...Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus...” (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV).

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God system of JUSTICE operates on spiritual laws that GOVERN the process of atonement or restitution. God’s system of JUSTICE offers both atonement and restitution. Atonement is the PAYMENT for WRONGS committed against God, the Holy Spirit and the restitution for all losses and injuries caused by those WRONGS.

Atonement and restitution, through Jesus Christ, satisfies ALL God’s demands for JUSTICE. Atonement reconciles the damaged relationship between God, the Holy Spirit, and mankind. Restitution, through the SAME atonement, is also the PAYMENT for ALL offenses made against God, the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ came to reconcile God and humanity and OFFERED his LIFE as PAYMENT and RESTITUTION for the WRONGS done.

Jesus Christ’s DEATH was a sacrificial action that ERADICATED mankind’s WRONGDOINGS against God, the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ sacrifice also compensated God, the Holy Spirit, for those WRONGDOINGS.

Because of Jesus’ sacrificial death the consequences of WRONGGOING against God, the Holy Spirit, was dismissed and made it possible for mankind to be RIGHT with HIM again.

When a person accepts Jesus as SAVIOR they are taking the necessary steps to atone for and make PAYMENT to God, the Holy Spirit, for their sins (WRONGDOINGS).

SALVATION is the WAY to UNDO the consequences of sins, repentance is an expression of remorse for sins, redemption restores harmony with God, the Holy Spirit, and obedience becomes equivalent to heartfelt restitution though it’s NOT required since Jesus already PAID IT ALL.

To be FORGIVEN through repentance and SALVATION in Jesus Christ is the WAY to achieve atonement and pay restitution. God’s system of JUSTICE through atonement means that the DEBT of sin was PAID through Jesus’ sacrificial death.

Salvation through Jesus SATISFIES God’s JUSTICE. Jesus PAID it ALL. God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus OFFERS forgiveness, reconciliation, restoration, and restitution for ALL sins or offenses committed against HIM.

Without God’s ATONEMENT, mankind would NEVER be able to SATISFY God’s JUSTICE on their OWN or through their OWN efforts. Jesus DID it ALL and PAID it ALL on each of his people’s behalf! “…my righteous servant (Jesus) ...[made] ... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “... But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him (allow him to die for mankind’s sins) and cause him grief ... his life [was made]... an offering for sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT).

Jesus PAID full restitution for all SIN. There is NOTHING else owed to God, the Holy Spirit to satisfy his JUSTICE. “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I [laid]... down my life...No one [took]... it from me, but I [laid]... it down of my own accord (my own choice). I [was given]... authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command (authority, choice) I received from my Father…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

Jesus said: “… I [laid] down my life... [AS COMMANDED, BY HIS HEAVENLY FATHER] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  Jesus “… [gave] His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “… HE WAS [spiritually] RICH, yet for your sakes he became [spiritually] poor, that [all of mankind] through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “… I [laid] down my life... No one [took] it from me, but I [laid] it down of my own accord (my choice). …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV).  “…[HE WENT “ALL IN”]...to giveHis life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).

“...Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 KJV).

“...  perceive ... the love of God [through jesus], because he laid down his life for [mankind]...” (1 John 3:16 KJV). “... [God through]...Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And ...he was buried, and ...he rose again the third day ...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).

“..[God through]...Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us [BACK] to [himself], having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

“ ... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love…” (John 15:13 NLT).

Since God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus PAID it ALL there is NO LONGER any DEBT of sin and therefore, NO RESTITUTION is needed either.

The REDEEMED through Jesus do NOT have to GO BACK and make things RIGHT with God, the Holy Spirit or MAKE UP for their offenses of sin. Jesus PAID it ALL! “... God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God ... through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous,for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “… [He sent the ] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…[salvation]… IS THE GIFT OF GOD (the Holy Spirit)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

“…If the Son (jesus) therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed (without a doubt!!)…” (John 8:36 KJV). “…[God’s people ARE] ... Saved by grace through faith … NOT OF [them]SELVES ... not of works (restitutions made in THE flesh), that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). \

“…LOVE keeps no record of wrongs…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus expresses and demonstrates his willingness to erase the record of wrongs and all offenses committed by sinners through FORGIVENESS. Jesus said, “…Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit is a FORGIVING God, which means HE is MERCIFUL because he withholds FAIR and JUST punishment from mankind for their many transgressions against HIM. “…The Lord God, [IS] merciful …” (Exodus 34:6 KJV). “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

The sinful nature lead mankind to become wretched, guilty, and depraved sinners SEPARTED from God, the Holy Spirit, with NO possible WAY BACK to HIM. Yet, God, the Holy Spirit, through his MERCIFUL FORGIVENESS COMES to help mankind through Jesus Christ. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helpsme…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).

SALVATION is an expression of God’s MERCIFUL FORGIVENESS, through Jesus “…God so loved the world that HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all….?”(Romans 8:32 KJV).  “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I lay down my life... [FOR YOU] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (MERCIFUL FORGIVENESS)...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).

“... God ...loved [the world]... and SENT His SON to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for [their]... sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, keeps no record of wrongs, because he JUSTICE has been FULLY satisfied through Jesus. “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, …” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…confess [your] sins, he is faithful and just to forgive … [your]… sins, and to cleanse [you]… from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 KJV).

“....Now ye (God’s people) are clean through the Word...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “...[God’s people can stay] .... holy and clean, washed by the cleansing [power]...of God’s Word ...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV).

God’s people are completely cleansed from ALL sin, past, present, and future, which there is NO RESTITUTION necessary “…And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 KJV).

There is NOTHING God’s redeemed people can ADD or CONTRIBUTE to their SALVATION through Jesus Christ. HE PAID IT ALL!

Jesus DEATH upon the cross, for ALL mankind, totally satisfied God’s JUSTICE. The SAME SALVATION that offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration, by grace through faith in Jesus, also offers restitution.

. “… [He sent the] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…[salvation]… IS THE GIFT OF GOD (the Holy Spirit)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).  “…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH (through dependence upon the WORD of GOD); and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

What redeemed people do OWE God, the Holy Spirit, is a DEBT of GRATITUDE, which is merely a expression and demonstration of appreciation for the GREAT THINGS his DONE through the HELP he’s GIVEN them. “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helpsme…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).

An expression and demonstration of GRATITUDE means you have a heartfelt thankfulness for what God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus has DONE for you.

When God’s people truly recognize what God, the Holy Spirit, has DONE, for them, through Jesus, it empowers them to acknowledge his presence in their life, his many goodnesses, and his indwelling working power.

Gratitude is an attitude and an action. Gratitude, therefore, is a manifested action demonstrated through heartfelt restitution for the GOOD God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, has DONE for you, personally!

Heartfelt restitution is a willful desire to RETURN the KINDNESS God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, has so FREELY bestowed upon you. “...What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me?...” (Psalms 116:12 NIV).

King David was grateful for God, the Holy Spirit’s forgiveness and deliverance. He had ACCEPTED God’s blessing and he wanted to KNOW what he could GIVE BACK to God, the Holy Spirit, for his favors and blessings. “...What can I give back to God for the blessings he’s poured out on me? I’ll lift high the cup of salvation—a toast to God! I’ll pray in the name of God; I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do, and I’ll do it together with his people. When they arrive at the gates of death, God welcomes those who love him.Oh, God, here I am, your servant,your faithful servant: set me free for your service! I’m ready to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice and pray in the name of God. I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do, and I’ll do it in company with his people, In the place of worship, in God’s house, in Jerusalem, God’s city. Hallelujah!...” (Psalm 116:12-19 MSG).

King David demonstrates a contrite heart that also displays his gratitude through willing ACTS of heartfelt restitution. “...The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise...” (Psalm 51:17 NASB).  “...O Lord, I surely am Your slave, I am Your slave, the son of Your female slave, You have unfastened my restraints. I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving, And call upon the name of the Lord.  I will pay my vows to the Lord, May it be in the presence of all His people, In the courtyards of the Lord’s house, In the midst of you, Jerusalem!Praise the Lord!...” (Psalm 116:16-19 NIV).

King David willingly CHOSE to MAKE a heartfelt restitution to God, the Holy Spirit, for the WRONGS he’d done . “...Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me...Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me ...free spirit...Deliver me from bloodguiltiness...” (Psalms 51 KJV). “... Going through the motions doesn’t please you,a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice...”(Psalm 51:16-17 MSG). “...The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise...” (Psalm 51:17 NASB).  

A “broken and contrite” heart is a heart that feels genuine REMORSE over their WRONGDOINGS. A REMORESEFUL heart will SEEK repentance from God and HIS MERCY. . “...Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions...” (Psalms 51 KJV).

King David acknowledged his sins before God and received his MERCIFUL ATONEMENT. “…Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just…” (Psalms 51:4 NLT).  “...Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me...Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me ...free spirit...Deliver me from bloodguiltiness...” (Psalms 51 KJV).

King David was genuinely GRATEFUL! “...What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me?...” (Psalms 116:12 NIV). “...For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God...” (1 Thessalonian 3:9 KJV). “...What would be an adequate thanksgiving to offer God for all the joy we experience before him because of you? We do what we can, praying away, night and day, asking for the bonus of seeing your faces again and doing what we can to help when your faith falters...” (1 Thessalonians 3:9 MSG). “...What can I give back to God for the blessings he’s poured out on me?...” (Psalm 116:12-19 MSG).

“...Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms...” (Psalm 95:2 KJV).“...Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits...” (Psalm 103:2 KJV). “...O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever...” (Psalms 107:1 KJV). “... In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you...” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV). “...Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place...” (2 Corinthians 2:14 KJV). “...Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus...” (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV).

Restitution, under legal the system, is a payment one makes for an injury or loss to a victim as a result of “their” criminal behavior. The one who makes the payment to the victim is called a perpetrator.

A perpetrator may be forced through court order to pay this restitution. In addition, they may be able to pay restitution for stealing, lost wages, or physical injuries, but NOT for murder or emotional losses.

The purpose of restitution is to contribute, as much as is humanly possible, in making the victim WHOLE again by trying to restore them BACK to where they were BEFORE they were injured or suffered loss.

A second reason for restitution is to make the perpetrator accountable and responsible for the injuries and losses incurred on the people they victimized. The bible says: “...“A thief must make full restitution for what is stolen. The thief who is unable to pay is to be sold for his thieving. If caught red-handed with the stolen goods, and the ox or donkey or lamb is still alive, the thief pays double....” (Exodus 22:3-4 MSG).

Restitution is NOT forgiveness or repentance. Forgiveness means the victim has decided to release the perpetrator, from any and all adverse feelings, for the harm done. Repentance means the perpetrator has had a change of heart and has decided to change their WAYS.

Forgiveness, for God’s people, is an ACT of love, on the part of the victim, but heartfelt restitution, for God’s people, is also an ACT of love on the part of the perpetrator.

Forgiveness, for God’s people, is OFTEN hard, but God empowers and helps them. “… The Holy Spirit helps [his people]... in [their]... weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…[They]... can do (genuinely forgive others) ... through Christ which strengtheneth [them]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

Forgiveness is not choosing to allow people to walk over you or abuse your heart, but in this world God’s people are like Jesus. “…In this world [god’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

“... Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you...” (Colossians 3:13 NIV). “...Be … imitatorsof [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

God’s people don’t keep a record of wrongs, but choose, instead, to walk in forgiveness as God’s WORD commands. “ ....if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you...” (Matthew 6:14 NIV). “... And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins...” (Mark 11:25 NIV).

“...Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven...” (Luke 6:37 NIV). “...Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you...” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV). “... Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you...” (Colossians 3:13 NIV).

 “... See to itthat no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause troubleand defile many...” (Hebrews 12:15 NIV).  “….[Choose to]…let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice…” (Ephesians 4:31 KJV).

Remember, forgiveness, for God’s people, is an ACT of love, on the part of the victim, but heartfelt restitution, for God’s people, is also an ACT of love on the part of the perpetrator.

Thus, heartfelt restitution is a willing payment of GRATITUDE a person makes for the WRONGDOINGS they have inflicted upon another person.  It is OFTEN hard to make restitution for some HURTS, especially for murder or emotional abuses or atrocities, but God will help and empower you. “… The Holy Spirit helps [his people]... in [their]... weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…[They]... can do (genuinely forgive others) ... through Christ which strengtheneth [them]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

The reason a Godly person would want to make a heartfelt restitution is LOVE and a genuine desire to help make the victim WHOLE again by doing, all that’s humanly possible, to restore them BACK to EQUITABLE advantage or healthy place.

A redeemed person would want to be accountable and responsible for the injuries, losses, and offenses they incurred on the people they victimized. “...“A thief must make full restitution for what is stolen...” (Exodus 22:3-4 MSG).  In addition, a Godly person would also want to make a heartfelt restitution out of GRATITUDE.

A show of GRATITUDE means a person is thankful for what God, the Holy Spirit, has DONE for them, through the victim.

When God’s people truly recognize what God, the Holy Spirit, has DONE, for them, through others, it empowers them to acknowledge his presence in their life, his many goodnesses, and his indwelling working power.

Gratitude is an attitude and an action. Gratitude, therefore, is a manifested action demonstrated through heartfelt restitution for the GOOD God, the Holy Spirit, has DONE for, personally, through others! This HELPS make amends with people, upon earth, and MAY help repair those relationships.

Heartfelt restitution is a willful desire to RETURN the KINDNESS, especially if FORGIVEN.  God, the Holy Spirit, FREELY bestows his kindnesses through other humans. “...What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me?...” (Psalms 116:12 NIV).

A redeemed person, who have hurt and offended others, will chose to make EVERY human effort possible to RESTORE, what they have taken, broken, or loss, BACK to the offended party. “... Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered.Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice...” (Psalm 51:16-17 MSG). “...The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise...” (Psalm 51:17 NASB).  

God is a God of JUSTICE. In this WORLD his people are LIKE JESUS. “…everything he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is right and all his ways are just...” (Daniel 4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love does NO HARM to his neighbor …” (Romans 13:10 NASB).

“…In this world [God’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). “...Be … imitators of [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

Jesus said, “…learn from me, for I am gentle and HUMBLEin heart…” (Matthew 11:29 KJV). “...A thief must make full restitution for what is stolen...” (Exodus 22:3-4 MSG). 

King Hezekiah’s heart was not right before God and God knew it. “..In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the Lord, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign. But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem...” (2 Chronicles 32:24-25 NIV).

Hezekiah was UNGRATEFUL and full of pride. “...But Hezekiah’s heart was proud…” (2 Chronicles 32:25 NIV). “...he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s wrath was on him...” (2 Chronicles 32:24-25 NIV).

God is ALWAYS watching the HEART. “...God sees not as man (woman) sees, for man (woman) looks at the outward appearance (the DOING), but the LORD looks at the heart (the BEING)…” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV).  “…from within, out of the heart of man (woman), proceed evil thoughts… wickedness...[ungratefulness, pride, etc.,)…All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

Hezekiah SAW, for himself, the pride and blatant ingratitude within his heart. “...But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him…” (2 Chronicles 32:25 NIV).

Without indwelling holiness through Jesuspeople won’t see God working through other humans. “...Make every effort ... to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord...” (Hebrews 12:13 NIV).

God could be present in your life every day through a spouse, mother, sibling, grandparent, or close friends and you won’t see him. “...Blessed are the pure [holy] in heart: for they shall see God...” (Matthew 5:8 KJV). “...When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it...”(Genesis 28:16 NIV).

Remember, “…the Word [Jesus] was made flesh and dwelt among [mankind]...” (John 1:14 KJV). “…He (God, the Holy Spirit) was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not…” (John 1:10-12 KJV). "...He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him..." (John 1:10 NIV). 

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus CAME in a specially created human vessel and his OWN people, who were EXPECTING him, didn’t recognize him. “…No one has ever seen God. But the unique One (the Word), who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us…” (John 1:18 NLT).

They LOOKED at the OUTSIDE and determined he couldn’t BE the MESSIAH of the scriptures. "...He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him..." John 1:10 NLT).

Unless you have NO CLUE, the same way the world would KNOW his people, they would also KNOW God, the Holy Spirit.“…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  

“...God sees not as man sees, for man (woman) looks at the outward appearance, …” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “... The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit  ... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (obedience). …” (Galatians 5 NLT). .“…Ye shall know [God, the Holy Spirit and his people]... by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

For instance, “…Jesus (the word) of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost (the father) and WITH POWER (the working power) ... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD (all of the ONE TRUE GOD) WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“…The Spirit of the Lord [was]... upon [Jesus], because he hath anointed [him]… to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him]… to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

 “...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).

“… [God’s people are to be]... growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus preached the Kingdom of God and it drew the LOST, OPPRESSED, and NEEDY to HIM, the God of LOVE. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).“...the crowds learned about [God’s LOVE]... and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).

The works Jesus performed came by God’s “powerful” working Holy Spirit. “… God  … work[ed] … in … [Jesus] … what is pleasing to him [as a WITNESS]…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELT within JESUS]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“The Son is the ... exact representation (a WITNESS) ofhis (God, the Holy Spirit’s) being…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…who is himself God…” (John 1:18 NLT).

 “…Jesus saith unto him, Have I (God, the Holy Spirit speaking through Jesus) been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He (she) that hath SEEN ME (Jesus) HATH SEEN the Father (God, the Holy Spirit);and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?...” (John 14:9 KJV). “… I (Jesus) and my Father (who is SPIRIT) are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV). TogetherGod, jesus and his people are “powerful,” witnesses of his glory!

God, the Holy Spirit, through his people, upon earth, does the WORK. “…Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and POWER (the indwelling Holy Spirit), performed great wonders and signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8 NIV).

“…God did extraordinary MIRACLES (by the indwelling Holy Spirit) through Paul…” (Acts 19:11 NIV).

“…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (the WORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [you], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [those].. who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s [power and fruit]... THROUGH each of us …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

We KNOW God’s people by their FRUIT and NOT their flesh. It is important to BE GRATEFUL and give God the glory for the great things he has done in your life, especially through HIS PEOPLE. “...Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world...” (Isaiah 12:4-5 NIV).

Eventually Hezekiah “… repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the Lord’s wrath did not come on them… (1 Chronicles 32:26 NIV).

King Hezekiah PROVES God is a KIND and MERCIFUL God.  “…Who isa God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “...because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

 “...The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise...” (Psalm 51:17 NASB).  King David asked: “...What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me?...” (Psalms 116:12 NIV). “...What would be an adequate thanksgiving to offer God..” (1 Thessalonians 3:9 MSG). “...What can I give back to God for the blessings he’s poured out on me?...” (Psalm 116:12-19 MSG).

“...Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms...” (Psalm 95:2 KJV). “...Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits...” (Psalm 103:2 KJV). “...O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever...” (Psalms 107:1 KJV). “... In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you...” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV). “...Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place...” (2 Corinthians 2:14 KJV). “...Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus...” (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV).

GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE; WHY SO MUCH EVIL AND SUFFERING?

                                   

GOD IS A GOD OF HOLY JUSTICE: THE FALLEN WORLD

 “...We know that we are God’s children, and that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV). “...Then to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it’; Cursed is the ground because of you; With hard labor you shall eat from it All the days of your life...” (Genesis 3:17-19 NASB).

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All of mankind exists in a fallen world, which means they live in a world that has fallen into spiritual and moral decade and depravity. The reason it is called a “fallen” world is because it LOST its former GLORY and has descended into a LESSOR more DARKER condition. “…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …” (Genesis 1:1-3 KJV). “...God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1 NASB).  

However, “...The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman.“God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced (persuaded). She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wantedthe wisdom it would give her …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

“…So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

 “…The woman was convinced (persuaded). She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdomit would give her. So she tooksome of the fruit and ate it. …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

God WARNED them: “…in the daythat thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). Adam and Eve CHOOSE to eat it anyway. “…At that momenttheir eyes were opened…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  “… [They immediately] … separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).

 “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT).

The GOOD world, at that time, included Adam and Eve, the planet, and the BLESSED living situations, internal and external. “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).They and ALL those who have come after them, live in the fallen world and constantly suffer with the effects and consequences of its sinful realities. “… [They had] … separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).

“….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is goodness…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “… there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV). “….Apart from Me (God, the Holy Spirit, who is the SOURCE of GOOD) … [they could]… do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

So mankind struggle, today, with the effects and consequences of a fallen world on a daily basis. It is witnessed through mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial heartaches and pains, losses, injustices, inhumanities, lies, discords, troubles, and multiple natural disasters.

The effects and consequences of the fallen world are experienced by one person or another every day and is commonplace. “….it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). This was NOT God’s original plan. EVERYTHING was ONCE “VERY” GOOD. “...God blessed them (Adam and Eve), saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, …God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1 NASB).  “...The Lord God took the man (Adam) and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it...” (Genesis 2:15 NIV).

To work the land meant that one of the duties of Adam was to take care for God’s world. Adam was blessed and given special dominion skills, from God, to do this kind of work. “...God blessed them and said to them, “...Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it ...RULE OVER (have dominion over).... Then God said, “I give youevery seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food ...And it was so...” (Genesis 1:28-31 KJV).

But, Adam GAVE or yielded his God-given dominion, of the world, over to the EVIL ONE when he became his servant.  “…Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

The WHOLE world, in which mankind lives, is a FALLEN world and is NOW under the dominion of the EVIL ONE. “...We know that we are God’s children, and that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV).

After mankind GAVE or yielded his God-given dominion OVER to the EVIL ONE, the whole world FELL under a CURSE. “...Then to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it’; Cursed is the ground because of you; With hard labor you shall eat from it All the days of your life...” (Genesis 3:17-19 NASB).

Without God, the Holy Spirit, the whole world, is FALLEN and dysfunctional. Equity of provision is misappropriated and the concentration of resources has become discriminatory against some, but not others. Did God create evil? YES, but NOT in the way you might think he did. “...I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and createevil: I the Lord do all these things...” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV).

Evil is not necessarily or exculsively a person, or thing, or even something tangible at all; it is the absence of God. Just like darkness is the absence of light and cold is the absence of heat. God’s JUSTICE is the opposite of unrighteousness. Evil is the absence of God.

At one time, Adam and Eve lived in the presence of God until they CHOSE “SIN,” which CREATED his absence within them and within the world they lived in.

God takes full responsibility for creating evil since he created MANKIND and he gave them human WILL.  “…THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “… I have set before you LIFE and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).

“….So she took some of the fruit and ATE IT.Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “… choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

God created mankind with the ABILITY to exercise human will. They can CHOOSE to go their OWN way, but they can’t CHOOSE the consequences. Adam and Eve’s choices separated them from God’s presence. “… [their] … iniquities (sin) …separated (or they became absent) [them]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). The absence of light is darkness; the absence of God is evil. “… I …createevil…” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV).

Evil is the absence of good. If good is not present, it CREATES evil, which is the absence of good or God. “…I… createevil: I the Lord do all these things” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV). “… [their] … iniquities (sin) …separated (made them absent) [them]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). The absence of one thing creates the presence of another. If God, who is LIFE, GOODNESS, and JUSTICE, is not presence; it CREATES DEATH, EVIL, and INJUSTICE. “…I… createevil: I the Lord do all these things…” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV).

Mankind REAPS death, darkness, injustice, that they themselves, on their own volition, has SOWN. They often judge God when it is their OWN choices that have resulted in destruction, decade, and depravity. “...Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap. For the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).  “...You have plowed wickedness, you have harvested injustice, You have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your way, in your many warriors...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB). “...So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own schemes...” (Proverbs 1:31 NASB). “...One who sows injustice will reap disaster, And the rod of his fury will perish...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB).

God created man in his image. Image is supposed to be a carbon copy. “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV).  As the bible informs, God “…does whatever pleases him” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). “… [God]… does as he pleases… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish…” (Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT).

Thus, God gave mankind human will. “….let us make man … after our LIKENESS…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).

Mankind was created, with a human will, in order to make choices and decisions Adam FREELY made multiple choices before “THE FALL.” “…The Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man “CHOSE” A NAME for each one.He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. …..She will be called ‘woman,’because she was taken from ‘man…” (Genesis 2:19-20, 23 NLT).

Part of being created in God’s image is the ability to exercise the human will and make choices. “… choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

The ability to make righteous or JUST choices, however, becomes challenging and limiting WITHOUT the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. “…I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t.I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “….apart from Me (the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus FREES and RESCUES the human will from being dominated by SIN? “… Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“… I have set before you LIFE and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “….apart from Me (the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…[You] … can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth [you] …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

If you are NOT choosing LIFE, which is God’s WAY: you are CHOOSING DEATH.  “…THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you … they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV).

Adam and Eve, willfully, picked between two choices: LIFE and DEATH. “….So she took some of the fruit and ATE IT. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you … they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “… I have set before you LIFE and death … choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

God MADE each of his people with a human will to CHOOSE to live as you please. “….let us make man … after our LIKENESS…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  They are FREED to CHOOSE life or death. “… I have set before you life and death, … therefore choose life …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “… Choose [for yourselves]this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

Without God, the Holy Spirit, the CHOICES are only DEATH. “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Mankind often judge God, instead of themselves, when their OWN choices result in death, darkness, evil, injustice, etc,. “… Choose ...[for yourselves] …” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is WIDE for the many who choose that way …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT). 

Yet God’s absence in their lives, their families, communities, societies, and countries is a decision of their very own choosing and CREATES evil in ALL those entities and places. “…I (my absence)… create evil:I the Lord do all these things…” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV).

  In the Old Testament, when “…there was no king (absence of a King) in Israel: every man (woman) did that which was right in his (her) own eyes” (Judges 21:25 KJV)…Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily …the HEART of the sons (daughters) of men is fully set in them … to do evil (choose death) ….” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV). “… [they]... FORFEIT the grace that could be theirs…" (Jonah 2:8 NIV). “…THIS IS THE CONDEMNATION, that light is come into the world, and MEN LOVED DARKNESS RATHER THAN LIGHT, because THEIR DEEDS (choices) WERE EVIL. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved…” (John 3:18-20 KJV).

“…The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt (disrespect)?” (Daniel 14:11 NIV). “…my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted (choosing death), following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts (choices). They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires (choices)…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…He who trusts in his own heart is a fool…” (Proverbs 28:26 NASB).The heart “…is deceitful ABOVE ALL THINGS and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). “…For it is from within, out of a person’s HEART, that EVIL THOUGHTS (choices) come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.… All these evils come from INSIDE, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 NIV).

Satan exercised his OWN will and was kicked out of heaven. He made a choice (choose death) to do what HE wanted to do. “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning!…For you said to yourself, ‘I will (I choose)…” (Isaiah 14:12-15 NLT).

“How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will (I choose to) ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will (I choose to) preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will (I choose to) climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths” (Isaiah 14:12-15 NLT).

Satan, “the shining star, son of the morning” was cast out of heaven and separated from the presence of God (Revelation 12:4, 9; Luke 10:18; Isaiah 14:12).

Satan exercised his WILL and made an independent choice: “… [I choose to]…climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High…’ ” (Isaiah 14:12-15 NLT).

When God said “….let us make man … after our LIKENESS…” the POTENTIAL for evil pointed to the ability of mankind to exercise human will and CHOOSE life or death (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). Instead, “…through one man sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so DEATHpassed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).

Once you have raised your children and they become adults, the POTENTIAL for a bad life verses a good life rests on their ability to use their human will to make decent, equitable, sound, and ethical choices. “ … the deeds (CHOICES) of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these …” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“….For from WITHIN, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder,  adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful DESIRES (emotions, passions), envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from WITHIN; they are what defile you…” All of mankind exercise their OWN human wills and make their OWN CHOICES.

Mankind judge God for creating them with human will to make their OWN choices. Nonetheless, they “… Choose ...[for yourselves] …” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

God did not make mankind a robot nor does he FORCE them to do what he wants them to do. Instead, the loving God said “….let us make man (woman) … after our LIKENESS…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “...Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).

The person to, fairly, judge is yourself for the CHOICES you personally make that effect your life and the life of others. “…EXAMINE YOURSELVES, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, EXCEPT YE BE REPROBATES (sinners)?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

Wherever God is absence from the CHOICES you make for your life, family community, or society there will be death, darkness, evil, and injustice, but YOU CHOOSE. “…Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches … apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

Everything God created was GOOD, even human WILL. “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). “… I have set before you LIFE and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “...I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and createevil: I the Lord do all these things...” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).

The FALLEN world is PROOF of mankind’s original SEPARATION from God, the Holy Spirit. Mankind’s estrangement from HIM ended in spiritual death,  separation from HIM, living in a FALLEN  world, put enmity between HIM and mankind, created rebellion and evil, and made it INPOSSIBLE to be reconciled or restored to God again.

God is a God of JUSTICE, which means he is JUST, so he sent Jesus. God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus CAME to reconciled and restored the FALLEN people and FALLEN world to HIMSELF. “...the crowds learned about it and followed him (Jesus). He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).

“… God  … work[ed] … in … [Jesus] … what is pleasing to him [God, the Holy Spirit]…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELLS within JESUS]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“...[Jesus] ... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; (HOW WAS HE ABLE TO DO THOSE THINGS?)... GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

(WHAT ELSE WAS JESUS, THE LIVING WORD, EMPOWERED, BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, able TO DO?) “…[HE WAS] ... anointed (empowered) to preach the gospel to the poor; ... to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus and his people, did the WORK of restoring and reconciled the FALLEN back to HIMSELF. “…Stephen, a man full of God’sgrace and POWER(the indwelling Holy Spirit), performed great wonders and signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8 NIV).

“…God did extraordinary MIRACLES (by the indwelling Holy Spirit) through Paul…” (Acts 19:11 NIV).

“…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (the WORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [you], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [those].. who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s [power and fruit]... THROUGH each of us …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“...HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “..come boldly unto the throne of GRACE ...[and] ... obtain mercy…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).

God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “...[Thankfully]... it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it...” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT).

Who God’s people BECOME, through Jesus, empowers them to DO SAME works of reconciled and restoring the FALLEN to God like Jesus DID. Jesus “CAME DOWN’ to do God’s will. “... he (JESUS) ... came down from heaven...” (John 3:13 KJV Jesus CAME “…to giveHis life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “…Christ ... suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

The Holy Spirit empowered and anointed Jesus to go about DOING good and HEALING the oppressed. “…God anointed (empowered) Jesus of Nazareth (HOW?) with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: (WHAT DID JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, DO?) [HE] ... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [HOW WAS HE ABLE TO DO THOSE THINGS?]... GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). (WHAT ELSE WAS JESUS, THE WORD, ANOINTED TO DO?) “…[HE WAS] ... anointed (empowered) to preach the gospel to the poor; ... to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

God’s people are to BE like Jesus by doing the works of restoring and reconciling the FALLEN world BACK to God, the Holy Spirit. “…In this world [God’s people] are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...Be … imitatorsof [Jesus, the Word of God]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ (the word of god)…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

“…be conformedto the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).“…Ye shall know [those being conformed to his image]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

Jesus said: “… the works which the Father has given Me to finish, the same worksthat I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent Me...” (John 5:36 KJV). “...For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will but the will of him who sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV). "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work...” (John 4:34 NLT). Again, Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).

God is a God of JUSTICE and so are HIS people WHO  are sent to earth to BE his WITNESSES. “...Verily, verily, I say unto you, He (she) that believeth on me (God the Holy Spirit, through Jesus), the works that I do (Jesus did) shall he (she) do also; and greater works than these shall he (she) do; because I go unto my Father...”(John 14:1 KJV). 

GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE: PAYING RESTITUTION TO OTHERS YOU'VE WRONGED

                                   

GOD IS A GOD OF HOLY JUSTICE: RESTITUTION

 “...“A thief must make full restitution for what is stolen. The thief who is unable to pay is to be sold for his thieving. If caught red-handed with the stolen goods, and the ox or donkey or lamb is still alive, the thief pays double....” (Exodus 22:3-4 MSG). “...A thief shall certainly make restitution; if he owns nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. If what he stole is actually found alive in his possession, whether an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double...” (Exodus 22:3-4 NASB).

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Restitution, under normal circumstances, is a payment one makes for an injury or loss to a victim when their criminal behavior causes them financial loss. The one who makes the payment to the victim is called a perpetrator.

A perpetrator may be able to pay restitution for stealing, lost wages, or physical injuries, but murder or emotional losses are another story.

The purpose of restitution is to help make the victim WHOLE again or at least assist in restoring them BACK to where they were BEFORE they were injured or suffered loss, at the hands, of the perpetrator.

A second reason for restitution is to make the perpetrator accountable and responsible for the injuries and losses incurred on the people they victimized.

“...“A thief must make full restitution for what is stolen. The thief who is unable to pay is to be sold for his thieving. If caught red-handed with the stolen goods, and the ox or donkey or lamb is still alive, the thief pays double....” (Exodus 22:3-4 MSG). This verse is saying that when something is STOLEN or LOST the thief makes EVERY effort to RESTORE, what was taken, BACK to the owner.

The effort made by restitution is so the perpetrator can take responsibility, or compensate, or be accountable for the hurt or loss he or she inflicted upon another person. “...A thief shall certainly make restitution...” (Exodus 22:3-4 NASB).

Restitution is NOT forgiveness or repentance. Forgiveness means the victim has decided to release the perpetrator, from any and all adverse feelings, for the harm done. Repentance means the perpetrator has had a change of heart and has decided to change their WAYS.

Restitution, on the other hand, is HOW the perpetrator, by court-order or a heartfelt decision, goes BACK to try and MAKE AMENDS for their injurious and thieving actions. “...“A thief must make full restitution for what is stolen....” (Exodus 22:3-4 MSG).

When a person repents and becomes a NEW CREATION; they are completely forgiven through Jesus and ALL their DEBTS are PAID in FULL.  It is Jesus Christ who has ALREADY paid restitution to God, the Holy Spirit, as their ransom, and MADE AMENDS for each of God’s people. “...Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me...Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me ...free spirit...Deliver me from bloodguiltiness...” (Psalms 51 KJV).

Restitution, therefore, becomes part of the GIFT of SALVATION through forgiveness of sins by faith in Jesus, because trying to make restitution to God, the Holy Spirit would be IMPOSSIBLE. “…Who isa God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “...because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

When God’s people MAKE restitution to others for the WRONGS they’ve done it is a WITNESS of a truly penitent and contrite heart. “...Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me...Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me ...free spirit...Deliver me from bloodguiltiness...” (Psalms 51 KJV). “...The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise...” (Psalm 51:17 NASB).  “... Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered.Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice...” (Psalm 51:16-17 MSG).

A “broken and contrite” heart is a heart that fells REMORSE over their WRONGDOINGS. A REMORESEFUL heart will SEEK repentance from God. King David demonstrates remorse over his wrongdoing and sought God’s MERCY. . “...Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions...” (Psalms 51 KJV).

King David was a man with a “CONTRITE” heart and he wanted to ATONE for his past sins. “…Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just…” (Psalms 51:4 NLT).  “...Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me...Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me ...free spirit...Deliver me from bloodguiltiness...” (Psalms 51 KJV).

King David was genuinely remorseful and it LED him repent from his WRONGDOING. Repentance will restore a person to a good conscience, which helps convicts us to do good and make restitution or restoration where we can. “…Having a good conscience.…” (1 Peter 3:16 KJV).“…I strive always to keep my CONSCIENCE clear before God and man…” (Acts 24:16 NIV).

The term “heart” may be the closest explanation for conscience. Conscience is the internal standard of right or wrong. The indwelling Holy Spirit HELPS God’s people KEEP their conscience CLEAN before HIM and others. “…and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear CONSCIENCE toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” (1 Peter 3:21 NIV).

The ideal of restitution is important to remember once the conscience is CLEANED. Nonetheless, there are some WRONGDOINGS and SINS that NO amount of restitution will do. Thus, RESTITUTION with God, the Holy Spirit, is part of SALVATION and “NOT” a requirement of it.“…I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my CONSCIENCE confirms it through the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 9:1 NIV). “…The goal of this command is love, which comes froma pure heart and a good CONSCIENCE and a sincere faith…” (1 Timothy 1:5 NIV). “…holding on to faith and a good CONSCIENCE, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith…” (1 Timothy 1:19 NIV).

God’s people receive FORGIVENESS, FREEDOM, and CLEANSING of their sins through faith in Jesus Christ whether they personally pay restitution or not, BECAUSE it has ALREADY been PAID.

However, their conscience was CLEANED and RENEWED as well. Conscience is the internal standard of right or wrong. The indwelling Holy Spirit was sent INTO the hearts of God’s people and HELPS them KEEP their conscience CLEAN before HIM and others. “…I strive always to keep my CONSCIENCEclear before God and man…” (Acts 24:16 NIV). “…I will put my laws (WORD) into their mind, and write them in their hearts…” (Hebrews 8:10 KJV). "…I will put my law (WORD) in their mindsand write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people…” (Jeremiah 31:33 NIV). “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of hisgood pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

Apostle Paul’s informs the readers how his conscience - filled with the indwelling Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ - is made “clear.” “…How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, PURGE YOUR CONSCIENCE from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14 KJV).

“…Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an EVIL CONSCIENCE, and our bodies washed with pure water…” (Hebrews 10:22 KJV).

“…Pray for us: for we trust we have A GOOD CONSCIENCE, in all things willing to live honestly…” (Hebrews 13:18 KJV).

 “…For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had NO MORE CONSCIENCE OF SINS….” (Hebrews 10:1-2 KJV).

A renewed conscience INFLUENCES your conduct before God and others. “…For this is thankworthy, if a man (woman) for CONSCIENCE TOWARD GOD endure grief, suffering wrongfully…” (1 Peter 2:19 KJV). “…The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of A GOOD CONSCIENCE TOWARD GOD,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ...” (1 Peter 3:21 KJV).  “..Having a GOOD CONSCIENCE; that, whereas THEY speak evil of you, as of evildoers, THEY may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ…” (1 Peter 3:16 KJV).

“…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (out of the heart, where the conscience is, comes your THOUGHTS)...” (Romans 12:2 KJV). Like everything else is new, so is the conscience new. “...Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

A new conscience is given by God through the indwelling Holy Spiritand becomes the new internal standard of right or wrong. Again, the indwelling Holy Spirit was sent INTO the hearts of God’s people and HELPS them KEEP their conscience CLEAN before HIM and others “…How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, PURGE YOUR CONSCIENCE from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14 KJV). “…Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an EVIL CONSCIENCE…” (Hebrews 10:22 KJV).

God gives you a new conscience through the indwelling Holy Spirit, but God’s people CHOOSE to yield to God’s leading. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “...The sinful nature wants to do evil ...These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. … Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there…” (Galatians 5 NLT).

“...God seesnot as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). God knows it is “…from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness…All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

The heart and ALL that it contains “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]...” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).   “…MY CONSCIENCE IS CLEAR, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me…” (1 Corinthians 4:4 NLT). “...Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me ...free spirit...Deliver me from bloodguiltiness...” (Psalms 51 KJV). “…it is God which worketh in you both TO WILL and TO DO of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

Human moral values is something you can witness in both believers and non-believers. There are times when non-believers appear to adhere to their internal, human moral values more than believers do.

Non-believers SEEM consistent with their human, moral values and appear to stand by them without the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Believers, who have the indwelling Holy Spirit to convict them in regard to their HOLY moral values, resist, or reject, or ignore their new conscience.

Romans 2:14-15 demonstrates this comparison between the Gentiles (who represent non-believers) and Jews (who represent believers). “… (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their CONSCIENCES also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)…” (Romans 2:14-15 NIV).

There are times when non-believers demonstrate a more consistent moral conscience, whatever it is, than believers who have the indwelling Holy Spirit. "…I will put my law (WORD) in [your]… minds and write it on [your]… hearts. I will be [your]…God, and [you]… will be my people…” (Jeremiah 31:33 NIV). “…it is God which worketh in you both TO WILL and TO DO of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

Conscience is not meant to judge your conduct, dictate your conduct, or force your conduct; it is only a support system to remind you of your internalized moral (HOLY), values. YOU CHOOSE your OWN moral values (human or holy). “…Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, THEIR CONSCIENCE ALSO BEARING WITNESS, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another…” (Romans 2:15 KJV).  

“…I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, MY CONSCIENCE ALSO BEARING ME WITNESSin the Holy Ghost…” (Romans 9:1 KJV). 

“…For our rejoicing is this, THE TESTIMONY OF OUR CONSCIENCE, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward…” (2 Corinthians 1:12 KJV).  “…But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth COMMENDING OURSELVES TO EVERY MAN’S CONSCIENCE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD…” (2 Corinthians 4:2 KJV). “…Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are MADE MANIFEST IN YOUR CONSCIENCE…” (2 Corinthians 5:11 KJV).

Conscience, for God’s people, is empowered by the indwelling  Holy Spirit. “…Jesus Christ is in [God’s people]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in [his people] …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV

 

The indwelling Holy Spirit becomes the NEW established, internal value system. "…I will put my law (WORD) in [my people’s]… minds and write it on [their]… hearts. I will be [their]…God, and [they]… will be my people…” (Jeremiah 31:33 NIV). And enables you sustain the value system. “…it is God which worketh in [his own people]... both TO WILL and TO DO of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

God’s people CAN become “... transformed by the renewing of [their]... mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). If God’s people are “…to be conformed to the image of his Son…” they need develop the conscience of Christ (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). A renewed mind produces a renewed conscience.

A renewed conscience becomes the witness of a new set of moral/biblical values imparted by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The new set of moral/biblical values imparted by the indwelling Holy Spiritrenews the heart and the mind.  "…I will put my law (WORDS) in [my people’s]… MINDSand write it on [their]… HEARTS (conscience). I will be [their]…God, and [they]… will be my people…” (Jeremiah 31:33 NIV). 

Godly restitution is a heartfelt payment a person makes for an injury or loss they have inflicted upon another person.  It is easier to pay restitution for stealing, lost wages, or physical injuries, but it is harder to restore the HURTS incurred by murder or emotional abuses or atrocities.

The reason a Godly person would want to make restitution is LOVE and a desire to help make the victim WHOLE again or at least assist in restoring them BACK to EQUITABLE advantage.

A second reason for Godly restitution is for conscience sake. A redeemed person would want to be accountable and responsible for the injuries and losses they incurred on the people they victimized. “...“A thief must make full restitution for what is stolen...” (Exodus 22:3-4 MSG).  

By RENEWING YOUR CONSCIENCE, through Jesus, a redeemed thief makes EVERY effort to RESTORE, what was taken, broken, or loss, BACK to the owner.

God is a God of JUSTICE. In this WORLD his people are LIKE JESUS. “…everything he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is right and all his ways are just...” (Daniel 4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love does NO HARM to his neighbor …” (Romans 13:10 NASB).

“…In this world [God’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). “...Be … imitators of [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

Jesus said, “…learn from me, for I am gentle and HUMBLEin heart…” (Matthew 11:29 KJV). “...A thief must make full restitution for what is stolen...” (Exodus 22:3-4 MSG).  

 

GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE: YOU RECEIVE THE OUTCOME "YOU" CHOOSE

                

GOD IS A GOD OF HOLY JUSTICE: YOU RECEIVE THE OUTCOME "YOU" CHOOSE

 “...for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 ASV).

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The God of Justice is my God and through Jesus, he is also my Savior. Apart from my God and Savior I can do NOTHING. “….apart from [Jesus, God’s WORD], [I]... can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). Nonetheless, Christ LIVES “in” me and through HIM I am spiritually ALIVE. I live. “...for in him we live...”(Acts 17:28 ASV). Christ MOVES “in” me and through HIM I am a human vessel, in which God’s SPIRIT travels upon earth. I move, “...for in him we ... move...”(Acts 17:28 ASV). “In” Christ I am a NEW CREATION. I am inspired by his indwelling Holy Spirit. I have my reason for being(existing, purpose, etc.,) “...for in him we ....have our being...” (Acts 17:28 ASV).

God restored me to HIS IMAGE when he made me into a NEW CREATION. “..Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…But he(she) that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT….” (1 Corinthians 6:17).

God’s people are to TRUST in God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ, his WORD. “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “…the things which are impossible with men (women) are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV) “...In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths...” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). God can “…do far more abundantly beyond all that [his people]… ask or think, according to the power that works within [them]…” (Ephesians 3:20 NASB). “…Only believe...” (Mark 5:36 KJV).  “…the things which are impossible with men (women) are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

“...For we (his people) are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 ASV). Through the BLOOD (life) of Jesus Christ, God, the Holy Spirit, PAID the DEBT of sin they owed. God “…spared not his own (specially created) Son, but delivered him up (as the sacrificial lamb) for ...all [of mankind]...”(Romans 8:32 KJV). “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I la[id]... down my life... [FOR mankind] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  Jesus “…[gave] ...his life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). HE PAID THE SIN DEBT FOR ALL OF MANKIND!

Thus, God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus RECONCILES mankind BACK into a “covenant unity” relationship with HIM. God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus RESTORES the lost and spiritually dead soul to HIS Spirit. God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus makes mankind WHOLE again. “...God, who hath reconciled [mankind]... to himself by Jesus Christ...” (2 Corinthians 5:18 KJV). “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (body, soul, God’s SPIRIT)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

“… [God, the Holy Spirit]...thou are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “...[YOU are]...a God of faithfulness and without injustice...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB). “ ...there is none good but one, that is, God,[the Holy Spirit]…” (Mark 10:18 KJV). “...The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

Christ MOVES “in” his people and through each of them. They are human vessels, in which God’s SPIRIT travels upon earth. I move, “...for in him we ... move...”(Acts 17:28 ASV).

The bible says: “… All scripture is given by INSPIRATION of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV). “…For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV).

. “...There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his… … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “……the [HOLY] SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU both to will and to do of his good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work “IN US” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father … doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God PICKS and CHOOSES mouthpieces who are WILLING to SPEAK his WORD as he INSPIRES them to DO so. “…I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak…” (John 12:49 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV).

These MOUTHPIECES did not speak from the origin of their own human minds or hearts, but were MOVED by God, the Holy Spirit. “..Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, WHICH THE HOLY GHOST BY THE MOUTH OF DAVID SPAKEbefore concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus…” (Acts 1:16 KJV).  “…But those things, WHICH GOD BEFORE HAD SHEWED BY THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS PROPHETS,that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled…” (Acts 3:18 KJV).

They “…SPAKE as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV). “Moved” implies they were EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit  like a ship is MOVED along by the wind. “…We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God SPAKE as they were moved by the Holy Ghost…” (2 Peter 1:19-21 KJV).

Human vessels, who were MOUTHPIECES, spoke as they were moved by God, the Holy Spirit. They WERE  his  willing servants. “...for in him we ... move...”(Acts 17:28 ASV). “…Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled WHICH WAS SPOKEN OF THE LORD “BY” THE PROPHET…” (Matthew 1:22 KJV). “…And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled WHICH WAS SPOKEN OF THE LORD “BY” THE PROPHET,saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son…” (Matthew 2:15 KJV).

“..Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, WHICH THE HOLY GHOST BY THE MOUTH OF DAVID SPAKE before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus…” (Acts 1:16 KJV).  “…But those things, WHICH GOD BEFORE HAD SHEWED BY THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS PROPHETS, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled…” (Acts 3:18 KJV).

“…And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.…” (Numbers 11:25 KJV). “...And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man…” (1 Samuel 10:6 KJV).  “….And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them…” (1 Samuel 10:10 KJV). “…And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied….” (1 Samuel 19:20 KJV). “…And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah…” (1 Samuel 19:23 KJV). “…Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak…” (Jeremiah 1:6-8 KJV).

These human vessels spoke God’s WORD strictly under the POWER of God, the Holy Spirit. “...for in him we ... move...”(Acts 17:28 ASV). God has the power to MOVE through human vessels and SPEAK through them like he DID Jesus!! “…In this world [God’s people]... are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “… Jesus of Nazareth ...went around ... doing good and healing all (HOW?)...because …God [the indwelling holy spirit]… was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

“…[JESUS WAS SENT]... to preach the gospel to the poor ... to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

“…God has sent forth the Spiritof His Son “INTO” [THE] HEARTS [of his people]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Christ [the Word of God, is]…in [each of the hearts of god’s people] …”(Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…[God’s people]...can do ALL THINGS through Christ  …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  “…the Spirit of God dwell in [HIS people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…He helps [his people]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…God ...does the work IN and THROUGH all of [the people]... who are his. …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The [indwelling]... HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of [his people] …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  “…the Father that dwelleth in [each of his people], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy [Spirit] and WITH POWER…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “… Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miraclesand wonders and signs, which God [the Holy Spirit]... did by (through) him in the midst of you…” (Acts 2:22 KJV). “…Verily, verily, I say unto you, He (she) that believeth on me (God, the Holy Spirit through Jesus), the works that I do (Jesus did) shall he (she) do also; and GREATER WORKS (not different works, but greater) than these shall he(she) do; because I go unto my Father…” (John 14:1 KJV). However, “….Apart from Me (God through Jesus), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, the specially created human vessel, CAME to earth to MAKE things RIGHT by healing, delivering, restoring, fixing, liberating, and putting things BACK the way they SHOULD BE. “… [God, the Holy Spirit through Jesus] ...went around ... doing good and healing all  …” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

“…[God, the Holy Spirit through Jesus began]... to preachthe gospel to the poor ... to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV)..

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus was a WITNESS that HIS JUSTICE had come to EARTH and he USED HIM to change society. “...the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).

“… God  … work[ed through] … [Jesus] … what is pleasing to him [JUSTICE]…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWEL[T] within JESUS]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The WORLD is a FALLEN world and has plunged into WICKEDNESS and SIN. This is NOT how God, the Holy Spirit, originally created the world. It was ONCE “very GOOD.”

God allowed mankind to have a human willand the fallen world is the consequence of their choices.  The human will has filled God’s world full of wicked and sinful people, which is contrary to his HOLY STANDARDS and is considered LAWLESSNESS.

SIN is LAWLESNESS, which is a CRIME against God’s HOLY RULE. Every human being who commits CRIMES against God’s HOLY RULE will receive the penalty for their sins. The penalty for SIN is spiritual death and eternal separation from God, the Holy Spirit.

God’s system of JUSTICE demands righteousnessand will supernaturally WORK all things together, every single detail, to MAKE GOD’s world RIGHT again as it should be. What most people and even the bible CALLS God’s wrath, punishment, judgement, or retribution is really HOW God’s JUSTICE responds to people’s OWN human choices and actions. “... whatever a person sows, this he (she) will also reap (this is God’s JUSTICE) ...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).  “...You have plowed wickedness,you have harvested injustice (God’s JUSTICE)...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB). “...So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way. (God’s JUSTICE)..” (Proverbs 1:31 NASB). “...One who sows injustice will reap disaster (God’s Justice)...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB).

God’s JUSTICE will “always” RETURN to every person what they have RIGHTFULLY EARNED. “...Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap. For the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).  “...You have plowed wickedness, you have harvested injustice, You have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your way, in your many warriors...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB). “...So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own schemes...” (Proverbs 1:31 NASB).

God’s wrath, punishment, judgement, or retribution is really HOW God’s JUSTICE responds to people’s OWN choices and actions. “...One who [chooses to]... [sow]... injustice will reap disaster...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB).

God’s JUSTICE is the righteous consequence for sinful crimes against God, the Holy Spirit. “...the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB). “…The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

If God, the Holy Spirit, warns a person about the law of reaping and sowing and a person plants the seeds of evil then gets a harvest of evil returned to them, is it God’s WRATH or his JUSTICE? “...Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap. For the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).

God’s JUSTICE “seems” like wrath, because it is HIS response to wrong, injustice, ungodliness, unrighteousness, and all wickedness. God is LOVING, HOLY, GRACIOUS, and MERCIFUL at ALL times and his divine RESPONSE to sin and lawlessness is JUSTIFIED JUSTICE.

Sin is LAWLESSNESS and lawlessness is a CRIME against God, and God, the Holy Spirit, ALONE. “... EVERYONE (NO EXCEPTIONS) who practices sin also practiceslawlessness; and sin is lawlessness  ...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB). “…Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just…” (Psalms 51:4 NLT). “…against thee, thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight, that thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest…” (Psalms 51:4 KJV).

God’s JUSTICE “seems” like wrath, because it is HIS response against the CRIME of SIN. When a person pays retribution or the penalty for their CRIMES of SIN, which they’ve committed on their OWN volition, it may seem like a “day of WRATH.”

It is their OWN CRIMES that will JUDGE them by the RULE of God’s righteousness LAW. God’s JUSTICE demands a righteous consequence of retribution, spiritual death, and separation from God when his RULE of LAW is violated.

The WRATH of God is HIS JUSTICE which, when FACED, can be a scary and terrifying thing. It is why HIS PEOPLE are grateful for salvation that covers their DEBT of SIN with the blood of Jesus and JUSTIFIES them before God, the Holy Spirit! “...Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him...” (Romans 5:9 NASB).  “...[All people who are made RIGHT,]... were justified (by faith and the [indwelling Holy] Spirit of our God ...” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NIV).

“...God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also celebrate in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation...” (Romans 5:8-11 NASB).

“… AS MANY as received him, to them GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS (daughters) OF GOD, even to them that believe on his name…” (John 1:12 KJV).

 “... so that everyone who believes will have eternal life in Him…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten (specially MADE) Son (his WORD)…” (John 3:15-16 KJV).

“...but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name...” (John 20:31 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus paid mankind’s debt of sin, he also freed them to choose to live a “holy” and “righteous” life. God, the Holy Spirit, could have left MANKIND to die in THEIR sins, but he is “JUST” AND “GOOD” and paid MANKIND’S debt or penalty of sin, instead! “...God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…[He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

Thus, God, the Holy Spirit, is a God of JUSTICE, yet, in spite of his justice, he is also a God of MERCY and GRACE.

God’s JUSTICE demands death and separation from HIM, but his MERCY and GRACE through JESUS is the GIFT that pays the DEBT of SIN and SATISFIES his JUSTICE.

The JUSTICE of GOD will ALWAYS be SATISFIED and a retribution harvest,rightfully, PAID to each person according to the SEEDS they’ve planted. “...Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap. For the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).  “...So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own schemes...” (Proverbs 1:31 NASB). “...One who sows injustice will reap disaster, And the rod of his fury will perish...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB).

When we SEE God’s JUSTICE, we may CALL it the WRATH of God, but it is the DESTRUCTION bought on by the unrighteous human will. Unrighteous human will can SOW any SEED of choice, but they will reap a harvest of consequences demanded by God’s righteous JUSTICE. “...You have plowed wickedness, you have harvested injustice, You have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your way, in your many warriors...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB).

The God of Justice is our God and through Jesus, he is also our Savior. Apart from our God and Savior we can do NOTHING. “….apart from [Jesus, God’s WORD], [I]... can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). Nonetheless, Christ LIVES “in” his people and through HIM they are spiritually ALIVE. In him they live. “...for in him we live...”(Acts 17:28 ASV).

Christ MOVES “in” his people and through HIM they are a human vessel, in which God’s SPIRIT travels upon earth. In him they move, “...for in him we ... move...”(Acts 17:28 ASV). “In” Christ God’s people are NEW CREATIONS. God’s people are inspired by his indwelling Holy Spirit. in him, they have theirreason for being(existing, purpose, etc.,) “...for in him we ....have our being...” (Acts 17:28 ASV).

“... in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 ASV).

 

GOD SAID "VENGEANCE" IS MINE; NOT REVENGE.

 

  GOD IS A GOD OF HOLY JUSTICE: REAPING WHAT YOU SOW?

“...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance (making things JUST) belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (MAKE IT FAIR AND RIGHT
)," saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19 ASV).

*

 “…his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV).God’s JUSTICE is “NOT” mankind’s JUSTICE, but his JUST ways, which are righteous, are FAR and ABOVE those of mankind. “…his ways [are often]… past finding out…” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).  “… [God’s] ... thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways ... [his] … ways ... as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are … [his] … ways higher than you[r] …. ways and … [his] … thoughts than your thoughts…” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV).

God’s WAYS are not the WAYS of mankind. Therefore his JUSTICE cannot be SEEM or UNDERSTOOD as MERE revenge. God’s JUSTICE is about DOING the right thing or restoring things BACK to righteous ORDER. “... for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace...” (1 Corinthians 14:33 NASB).

God’s spiritual system is one of JUSTICE, which stands AGAINST unrighteous and ungodliness by RESTORING “ALL” things back to righteous and godliness through correction or fair judgement. “...God doesn’t stir us up into confusion; he brings us into harmony...” (1 Corinthians 14:33 MSG). “... I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth...” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT).

God’s JUSTICE requires EVERY person to PAY their DEBT for ALL WRONGS or SINS committed against HIM and others.  “…SIN IS the transgression of the law (violation of God’s instruction)….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…The wages of sin is death (spiritual death and eternal SEPARATION from God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

God’s JUSTICE is the supernatural consequence, accountability, or retribution that is REQUIRED to be PAID in order to SATISFY a WRONG committed by a GUILTY person upon God, the Holy Spirit, LIFE or another human being. “…The wages (DEBT) of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

Thus, God’s JUSTICE is fair, merited, honest, equitable, impartial, and retributive. “…whatsoever a man (woman) soweth, that shall he (she) also reap…” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). God’s JUSTICE gives EVERYONE what is DUE to them based on their OWN choices, actions, and treatment of others.

Suffering, sickness, death, loss of jobs, hunger, or other troubles or difficulties are not about God punishing sin. “... Here on earth [God’s people]... will have many trials and sorrows..." (John 16:44 NLT).

God’s CALL to repentance is for EVERYONE, whether rich, poor, well-off, struggling, or they, too, WILL perish. "…REPENT  AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins (YOUR DEBT) may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “…The wages (DEBT) of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

God’s people DO go through difficult trials and tribulations, while upon earth and they DON’T always reap what they sow from their situations or receive fair reciprocity from people. God, the Holy Spirit is their JUSTICE. “…[God’s people, like Jesus choose to completely]… entrusted [themselves]... to him who judges justly...” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).

God’s people may say: “…‘We’ve GIVEN up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). God, the Holy Spirit, said through Jesus:  “…I assure you that everyone who has GIVEN UP house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for MY SAKE and for the GOOD NEWS, will “RECEIVE NOW” in return a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, promises all the things his people ENDURE and SUFFER for righteousness sake will ALL work together for good for them that LOVE HIM. “... Here on earth [God’s people]... will have many trials and sorrows..." (John 16:44 NLT). “…all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).“…I assure you that everyone who has GIVEN UPhouse or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for MY SAKE and for the GOOD NEWS,will “RECEIVE NOW” in return a hundred times as many [whatever]– along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

God’s JUSTICE is NOT revenge upon a wrong or sinful behavior, but a fair and equitable RESPONSE to mankind’s OWN sinful choices, unrighteous actions, and wrongful treatment of others. “…The wages (DEBT) of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory …” (Romans 3:23).

God’s JUSTICE is also CALLED his wrath, punishment, or judgement. It is also, in reality, a DEBT of accountability or responsibility OWED to God, the Holy Spirit, LIFE, or another human being, as a consequence of one’s unrighteous ACTIONS.

“…But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is thatto you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, andrunning over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return…” (Luke 6:27-38 NASB).

God’s JUSTICE is usually BASED on internal realities (what’s IN the HEART)whether than external HAPPENINGS (or mere ACTIONS). God’s JUSTICE is always about STANDING UP for what is genuinely and authentically RIGHT and GOOD.

God, the Holy Spirit, is immutably RIGHTEOUS and GOOD on purpose and for NO other reason but his HOLY, benevolent, grace-filled LOVE toward mankind. “...For the Lord is a God of justice...” (Isaiah 30:18 NASB).“...For all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB). “...the King loves justice...” (Psalm 99:4 NASB). “… Thou are GOODand doestGOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “...The Lord is GOOD...” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). “...there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

God is the HOLY example of RIGHT (JUST) behavior, which he exemplifies through his HOLY nature, divine character, and benevolent kindnesses toward those who do NOT deserve it. “…GOODand upright is the Lord…”(Psalm 25:8 KJV). “…his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV).“… God’sGRACE … is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS is part of his HOLY nature and divine character. “…for I the Lord am holy,. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “… Thou are GOODand doestGOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “...a God of justice...” (Isaiah 30:18 NASB).

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS is God’s WAY of being or behaving and he NEVER changes. “…for he is GOOD…” (Psalm 107:1 KJV). “…For thou, Lord, is GOOD…” (Psalm 86:5 KJV). “...ALL His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13 8 NIV).

God demonstrates his JUSTICE and GOODNESS toward mankind. “…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS…” (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “...The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and just is He...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

God fills mankind with his JUSTICE and GOODNESS. “...This is what the Lord of armies has said: ‘Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother (sister)...” (Zechariah 7:9 NASB). “…The fruit of the Spirit is … goodness …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwelleth in [YOU]…” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV).

God supplies his people with enough JUSTICE and GOODNESS to share with others. “…God will supply all [his people’s need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all [his people]... need. Then [they]... will always have everything [they] need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

God persuades his people to CHOOSE to be JUST and GOOD to others as he has been JUST and GOOD to them. “…LOVE one another, even as I have loved you…” (John 13:34-35 KJV). "…In everything, therefore, TREAT people the same way you want them to TREAT you, for this is the Law and the Prophets…” (Matthew 7:12 NASB). “…O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8 NLT).

“…He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV).

If God’s people CHOOSE to be JUST and GOOD to others, it is God, the indwelling Holy Spirit that ENABLES or EMPOWERS them to do it. “…God …works in [his people]... TO WILL and TO ACT in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may … God … equip [his people]... with everything good for doing his will, …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…Now may … God  … work in [his people]... what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

God’s kind of JUSTICE and GOODNESS is about expressing and demonstrating righteous behavior. “…GOODand upright is the Lord…”(Psalm 25:8 KJV). “...all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS is consistent, ongoing and he totally SHUNS evil because he possesses “NO” darkness at all. “…God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all…” (1 John 1:5 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit demonstrated his HEARTfelt JUSTICE and GOODNESS by expressing himself through Jesus. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The fruit of the Spirit is … goodness …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “...Righteous and just is He...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS is “NOT” simply an outward ACT, but an inward ATTITUDE. “...A God of faithfulness and without injustice...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB). “… Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of hisgood treasure what is good …” (Matthew 12:33-35 NASB). “... all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

EVIL is not simply an outward ACT, but an inward ATTITUDE. “… The Lordsaw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually…” (Genesis 6:5 NASB). “… After He called the crowd to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand:there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” When he had left the crowd andentered the house, His disciples questioned Him about the parable.  And He said to them, “Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thus He declared all foods clean.) And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heartof men, proceed the evil thoughts, [fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.All these evil thingsproceed from within and defile the man…” (Mark 7:14-23 NASB). “… the evilman brings out of his evil treasure what is evil…” (Matthew 12:33-35 NASB).

Nonetheless, God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS extends to righteous and unrighteous people. “…He causes His sun to rise on theevil and the good, and sends rain on therighteous and the unrighteous…” (Matthew 5:45 NASB).

However, God’s special JUSTICE and GOODNESS is mainly extended to the people who BELONG to HIM through Jesus Christ.  .“…There is …no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...” (Romans 8:1 NIV). “…There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him.….” (John 3:18 NLT). “…For I will forgivetheir wickedness and will remember their sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…mercy triumphs over judgement…” (James 2:13 NASB).  “…remember that those who do nothave the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

Further, God’s special JUSTICE and GOODNESS is FREELY given to those who belong to HIM through Christ “IF” “they” choose to RESPOND to HIS gifts and blessings toward them. “…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19). “…Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life …” (John 14 6 KJV). “…you area chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession.As a result, you can show others the goodnessof God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light…” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT).

God’s HOLY JUSTICE and GOODNESS, to his people through Jesus, is witnessed through his AMAZING GRACE and LOVE, his MANY GIFTS and KINDNESSESES, his immutably CHARACTER, and the EXCELLENCY of his HOLY NATURE.

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS, to his people and all of mankind, is witnessed, first and foremost, through his “amazing grace and love” in SALVATION. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).   “…the wages of sin is death (which is fair and equitable)…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). EVERY HUMAN BEING, UPON EARTH, DESERVES SPIRITUAL DEATH. Yet, “...God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…, my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…[He sent the] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).”…  ye [are]…saved by grace through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “… [SALVATION]... IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

God’s JUSTICE says: “…YE SHALL DIE (which is fair) IN YOUR SINS:for IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE, YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS…” (John 8:24 KJV). “…the free gift of God (which pays and erases the debt of sin) is eternal LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord (he PAID it ALL)…” (Romans 6:23 NASB). “…Christ …died for sins ONCE for all (Jesus PAID the DEBT of YOUR sin) … [and] …made [every redeemed soul]… ALIVE in the spirit …” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son...the just for the unjust...that whosoever believeth in him should not perish (be punished)…” (John 3:16 KJV & 1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Thus, God is “…is “SO” RICH in kindness and GRACE that he purchased (PAID for IT) our freedom ….and forgave our sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). God “….[was]…NOT willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance...” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). “… [HIS PEOPLE]… WHO ARE “KEPT” BY THE “POWER” OF GOD THROUGH FAITH unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time …” (1 Peter 1:5-9 KJV).  “….The exceeding RICHES of his GRACE in his kindness toward [HIS PEOPLE]... through Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 2:7 KJV). “…be strong in the GRACE that is in Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 2:1 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God I AM what I AM (DEBT FREE)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

 “…God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “...We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). God “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but delivered him up FOR US ALL (in order to PAY our DEBT of SIN)…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “….God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…… [Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB). He has “….loved [mankind]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS, to his redeemed people, is also witnessed through his many gifts and kindnesses. “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). ”… ye [are]…saved through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man hath his proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “…his divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertainunto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESSis witnessed in his HOLY character “seen” through jesus Christ. “...The Son is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the exact representation of his being…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). Examples of God’s HOLY character IS ALSO manifested in his NAMES: ADONAI or YAHWEH or JEHOVAH or JEHOVAH ELOHIM or EL ELYON or JEHOVAH ELOHIM which means: “LORD” "LORD God" “Most High" “lord (jesus Christ)” "LORD God."

ELOHIM or EL SHADDAI or EL-GIBHOR which means: God “Creator, Mighty and Strong” “God Almighty” “Mighty God.”

JEHOVAH –JIREH means: "The Lord Will Provide."

JEHOVAH –RAPHA means: "The Lord Who Heals."

JEHOVAH –NISSI means: "The Lord Our Banner.”

JEHOVAH -M'KADDESH means: "The Lord Who Sanctifies, Makes Holy." 

JEHOVAH –SHALOM means: "The Lord Our Peace.

JEHOVAH H-TSIDKENU means: "The Lord Our Righteousness.”

JEHOVAH –ROHI means: "The Lord Our Shepherd.

JEHOVAH –SHAMMAH means: "The Lord Is There.

JEHOVAH –SABAOTH means: "The Lord of Hosts."

EL ROI means: "God of Seeing."

EL-OLAM means: "Everlasting God."

jesus means: “savior” “anointed one” "Emmanuel: god is with us."  “… [jesus] … is the … exact representation ofhis being (nature and character)…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS, to his people, is witnessed through the immutable excellency of his HOLINESS. “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). OH…“THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS…” (Psalms 29:2 KJV). “…God hath not called us for uncleanness, but unto holiness…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV). “…that we might be partakers of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).  “…for I the Lord am holy,. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “….[SO] put on the new man, which after God is created in …true holiness...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV “…the BEAUTY of … [god’s] … holiness…” (2 Chronicles 16:29 KJV).

When god through Jesus paid mankind’s debt of sin, he also freed them to choose to live “holy” and “righteous” lives.

If god was a god of revenge, EVERY HUMAN BEING WOULD BE DEAD, SPIRITUALLY, FOREVER. GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, could have left MANKIND to die in THEIR sins, but he is a “JUST” AND “GOOD” god, who paid MANKIND’S debt, instead! “...God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…[He sent the] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

”…  [The LOST and SPIRITUALLY dead soul, who OWES a great DEBT of SIN is]…saved by grace through faith…it is the GIFTof God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “… [SALVATION]... IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). YOUR DEBT OF SIN; PAID IN FULL!!! God’s JUSTICE was FREELY served to ALL who receive it through Jesus Christ, who ERASES and PAID their DEBT of sin!!

The bible says:  “...Thou (God, the Holy Spirit) are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “... all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…Great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “…The lord is GOOD…” (Psalm 100:5 KJV). “…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS…(Psalm 31:19 KJV). “...The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

“...A God of faithfulness and without injustice...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB). “...Righteous and just is He...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

“…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said, “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you, …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS…(Psalm 31:19 KJV). “...Righteous and just is He...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

“..The lord is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). “… Thou are GOODand doestGOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “ ...there is none good but one, that is, God…” (Mark 10:18 KJV). “...The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB). “...A God of faithfulness and without injustice...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

 

GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE; NOT REVENGE!

                

GOD IS A GOD OF HOLY JUSTICE: REAPING WHAT YOU SOW?

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“...Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap. For the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).  “...You have plowed wickedness, you have harvested injustice, You have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your way, in your many warriors...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB).“...So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own schemes...” (Proverbs 1:31 NASB). “...One who sows injustice will reap disaster, And the rod of his fury will perish...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB).

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 The bible says: “...whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB). God, the Holy Spirit is a God of Holy JUSTICE, which means his spiritual SYSTEM is one of JUSTICE too! God, the Holy Spirit’s, JUSTICE will ALWAYS stand up against unrighteousness and ungodliness. “…If God (WHO IS “JUST”) is for us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit, is FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS in ALL areas of life and he treats his people with RIGHTEOUSNESS. God doesn’t show favoritism or partiality with HIS PEOPLE, but is equally fair and JUST to them ALL. “...Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality...” (Acts 10:34 NASB). “…There is no partiality with God…” (Romans 2:11 NASB).  “…There is no respect of persons with God…” (Romans 2:11 KJV). “…God does not show favoritism…” (Romans 2:11 NLT).

“…This [was ALL]… God’s plan: [Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirt, ENCOURAGES, his people to be JUST to all people too! “...‘Treat one another justly. Love your neighbors. Be compassionate with each other. Don’t take advantage of widows, orphans, visitors, and the poor. Don’t plot and scheme against one another—that’s evil.’...” (Zechariah 7:10 MSG). “...do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.’...” (Zechariahs 7:10 NASB).

“…In this world we (god’s people) are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

“…  [Everyone who belongs, to him through Jesus, however, and] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children… because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).   “……There is NEITHER Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV).

“…God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.  In every nationHE ACCEPTS thosewho fear him and do what is right—…there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…God is no RESPECTER OF PERSONS: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent … preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV).

“…  [Everyone who belongs, to him through Jesus] … share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children… because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

One human being HAS NO RIGHT to oppress another human being is GOD’s SIGHT, because NOBODY is righteous. “...There is none righteous, no, not one...” (Romans 3:10 KJV). God is a JUST God and HIS spiritual system is one of JUSTICE, which means OPPRESSORS will have to PAY TRIBUTE to God’s system of spiritual JUSTICE.   “...For after all it is onlyright for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you...” (2 Thessalonians 1:6 NASB). “...it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord...” (Romans 12:19 NASB). “…do them (my people NO) wrong...” and “….touch not mine anointed (his righteous children who are set apart for his service) and do…[them] no harm.” (Psalm 105:14-15 KJV).

Remember, “...There is none righteous, no, not one...” (Romans 3:10 KJV). “...I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “...Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight...” (Romans 3:20 KJV).

 “...[All people who are made RIGHT,]... were justified (by faith and the [indwelling Holy] Spirit of our God ...” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit, is NOT a God of revenge, but of JUSTICE, which means his system of spiritual justice with ALWAYS find a way to RIGHT the WRONGS, without favoritism or partiality. “...For the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he (she) has done, and that without partiality...” (Colossians 3:25 NASB).

It is OBVIOUS that God’s system of spiritual justice WORKS together with God’s HOLY and RIGHTEOUS nature. God, the Holy Spirit, wouldn’t be holy, or righteous IF he wasn’t, also, JUST. “...Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your (God, the Holy Spirit’s) throne;Mercy and truth go before You...” (Psalms 89:14 NASB).

“...For I, the Lord, love justice...” (Isaiah 61:8 NIV). When Adam and Eve choose to reject his holy commandments, God’s system of spiritual justice did NOT overlook their transgression. From God, the Holy Spirit’s spiritual point of view JUSTICE was their consequence.

“...whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap. ..” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB). “...For the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).  “...You have plowed wickedness,you have harvested injustice...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB). “...they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own schemes...” (Proverbs 1:31 NASB). “...One who sows injustice will reap disaster...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB).

JUSTICE is not revenge, but it is the SYSTEM God has SET in PLACE to right the WRONGS. God LOVES being JUST, because it is WHO GOD is, therefore, it is an immutable part of his divine character. “...justice will be upheld…”  (Job 36:16-21 NLT). “… [god, the holy spirit]...who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). “…everything he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

Without God’s system of JUSTICE sin would forever go UNCHECKED and eventually triumph over GOOD. Thus, God is a God of JUSTICE and he expects the SAME from his people. “…his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“…O people [of God], the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8 NLT). “…He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV). “...because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…”(Micah 7:18 KJV).

There is an REWARD for obedience and there is a REWARD for disobedience. “...Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap. For the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).  “...You have plowed wickedness,you have harvested injustice, You have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your way, in your many warriors...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB). “...So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own schemes...” (Proverbs 1:31 NASB). “...One who sows injustice will reap disaster, And the rod of his fury will perish...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB).

JUSTICE in God’s SYSTEM is NOT simply about getting what you RIGHTFULLY deserve or retribution. What most people and even the bible CALLS God’s wrath, punishment, judgement, or retribution is really HOW God’s JUSTICE responds to people’s OWN choices and actions. “... whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap (this is God’s JUSTICE) ...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).  “...You have plowed wickedness,you have harvested injustice (God’s JUSTICE)...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB). “...So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way. (God’s JUSTICE)..” (Proverbs 1:31 NASB). “...One who sows injustice will reap disaster (God’s Justice)...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB).

“ …[God’s people said:]... will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…[God said:].... my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. ….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“…They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT).  “...[My people]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).

“…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….”(JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

 “…. Again and again he rescued them ...Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“…the righteous CRY and Lord the heareth and delivereth them out of ALL their troubles…” (Psalms 34:17 KJV). “…Again and again [God, the Holy Spirit] rescued them…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT).

Yet, HIS PEOPLE “... [continually]... chose to rebel against him... [until]... they were finally destroyed by their sin (god’s Justice)…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT). “...You have plowed wickedness, you have harvested injustice (God’s JUSTICE)...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB).

Yes, there will be a FINAL JUSTICE (or JUDGEMENT), but God’s system of spiritual justice is ALWAYS working to GIVE people what their RIGHTFUL reward. “... whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap (this is God’s JUSTICE. This is RIGHT) ...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB). 

What SEEMS like God’s wrath, punishment, judgement, or retribution is God’s JUSTICE responding to mankind’s OWN choices and actions. God’s JUSTICE is both future and it is WORKING in the HERE and NOW.

God, the Holy Spirit’s, system of spiritual justice will ALWAYS find a way to RIGHT the WRONGS, without favoritism or partiality. “...For the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he (she) has done, and that without partiality...” (Colossians 3:25 NASB).

The unrighteous, ungodly, and unjust people who DO WRONG often SEEM to go on and on and on without FACING or ANSWERING to God’s system of JUSTICE. King AHAB, an EVIL leader, reigned for YEARS in Samaria and God’s people SEEMED to be the one’s FACING God’s system of justice. “...In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria over Israel twenty-two years...” (1 Kings 16:29 NIV). “...Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah. Ahab son of Omri was king over Israel for twenty-two years. He ruled from Samaria. Ahab son of Omri did even more open evil before God than anyone yet—a new champion in evil! It wasn’t enough for him to copy the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat; no, he went all out, first by marrying Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and then by serving and worshiping the god Baal. He built a temple for Baal in Samaria, and then furnished it with an altar for Baal. Worse, he went on and built a shrine to the sacred whore Asherah. He made the God of Israel angrier than all the previous kings of Israel put together...” (1 Kings 16:29-33 MSG).

The righteous cried out: “...How long, Lord, will the wicked,
    how long will the wicked be jubilant?...”(Psalms 94:3 NIV). “...God, the wicked get away with murder— how long will you let this go on? They brag and boast and crow about their crimes!...” (Psalms 94:3-4 MSG).

“...But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to then and drink up waters in abundance. They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?” This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments. If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply...” (Psalms 73:2-16 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit, is a God of JUSTICE. Looking at the wicked, their evil deeds, their worldly privileges, or their temporary comforts is NOT a picture of TRUTH. God’s system of spiritual justice is WORKING, right NOW! “...[when]... I entered the sanctuary of God (his presence); then I understood their (the wicked) final destiny. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail,  but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds...” (Psalms 73:17-27 NIV).

 “…If God  (who is JUST) is for us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…He helps me (his people)…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).   “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer...[your god of justice]…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“...Don’t worry, judgment and justicewill be upheld…”  (Job 36:16-21 NLT). “… entrust yourself] to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).

“….Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME.” (Matthew 25:40 KJV).

 “...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance (making things JUST) belongeth unto to me (God, the Holy Spirit); I will recompense (make it JUST)," saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19 ASV).

 

 

HOW IS GOD "GLORIFIED' IN THE LIVES OF HIS PEOPLE? BY THEIR FRUIT!!

                               

FRUITFUL BRANCHES GLORIFY GOD

“... I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). * What is the point of going through the pain and heartache of trials and tribulations or showing, the unlovable, love, or sacrificing self, for obedience, “IF” God doesn’t get the GLORY?  God’s people LIVE to GIVE him the glory “through” their LIFESTYLE.   God, the Holy Spirit's, GLORY is witnessed through the lifestyles (righteous conduct) of HIS people. Spiritual fruit GIVE God, the Holy Spirit, honor, reveal  his presence, is a witness to his goodness, confirm his Word as truth, expose him as their Lord, and PROVE his kingdom has come upon the earth! “...He (she) that abideth in me, and I in him (her) ... If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you ...Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). The KEY to giving God GLORY is GREATLY linked to ABIDING in JESUS or in the WORD of God! “...He that abideth in me, and I in him ... If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you ...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). God is SPIRIT. His WORD is SPIRIT also.“… GOD IS SPIRIT …” (John 4:24 KJV).“... the Lord (Christ, the Word) is that Spirit …” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “.. I and the father are one...” (John 10:30 KJV). “… THE WORDS THAT I (Jesus) SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT (God) …” (John 6:63 KJV). “ The SPIRIT dwells within. It is the SPIRIT that PRODUCES the SPIRITUAL fruit God's people DISPLAY.“… t he Spirit of God dwell in you …” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “… Christ in you , …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “… The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT).It is the SPIRIT that produces the spiritual fruit “IN” and “THROUGH” his people. “ … It is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).It is the SPIRIT that produces spiritual fruit and gives God glory by displaying his indwelling power and providing the PROOF God's people are indeed, his disciples or true followers. “… The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).“… the ...Father that dwelleth in [God's people], he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV). “... Herein is my Father glorified, that [his people] bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples ...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “ … [They will]… bear much fruit , and … PROVE to be [God’s]… disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV).“…. WE PROVE OURSELVES by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit WITHIN us…” (2 Corinthians 6:6 NLT).  “…Man looks at the outward appearance , but the LORD looks at the heart …” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “… hidden man of the heart …” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “...For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness...  All these evil things come from within, and defile a person…” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). “… The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT). “…. WE PROVE OURSELVES ...by the Holy Spirit WITHIN us…” (2 Corinthians 6:6 NLT).  “… [You will know God’s people]….by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “ … [They will]… bear much fruit , and … PROVE to be[God’s]… disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV).  God, the Holy Spirit, is given PRAISE when HIS branches bear FRUIT! Fruitfulness PROVES discipleship. Fruitfulness GLORIFIES God (the Holy Spirit). “… The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT). “... Herein is (how) my Father [IS]...glorified ..” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “ … [My true disciples will]… bear much fruit , and … PROVE to be [God’s]… disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV).Fruitfulness which refers to spiritual or righteous conduct GIVES “GLORY” to God, the Holy Spirit.Righteous conduct, witnessed through God’s people is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, and gives GLORY to God. Righteous conduct is fruitful behavior that gives honor, shows respect, is a form or worship and praise to God, and reveals one’s obedience and allegiance toward HIM, the Holy Spirit.Righteous conduct are fruitful behaviors that acknowledges God, the Holy Spirit, is Lord of lords and King of kings in the hearts and lives of his people and he ALONE deserves “ALL” their honor, praise, and worship!“...Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!..” (1 Chronicles 16:29 NIV). “... Herein is (how) my Father [IS] … glorified ..” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “ … [That his true disciples will]… bear much fruit , and … PROVE to be [God’s]… disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV). “… The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT).The importance of GLORIFYING God is “NOT” about massaging God’s ego, but about witnessing, demonstrating, and revealing to the LOST and spiritually DEAD souls that God’s kingdom has come upon the earth THROUGH first JESUS and now THROUGH his people.THROUGH JESUS: “...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village , preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God ...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).“… The Spirit of the Lord [was]... upon [Jesus] ... he ... anointed [or empowered him]… to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him]… to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord …” (John 4:16-21 KJV).… God anointed (or empowered) Jesus of Nazareth (HOW?) with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER (what did jesus do?)...  [he]...went about doing good (witnessing God Glory), and healing (demonstrating God’s glory) all that were oppressed of the devil …(HOW?) GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV)“… God [did]... the work IN and THROUGH ...[Jesus] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  “… The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAY[ED his]... power THROUGH [Jesus] …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).“… God ...[DID]... powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him ,  (Jesus) as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV). “… the Father... [that DWELT within JESUS]… he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).THROUGH HIS PEOPLE: “…Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and POWER(the indwelling Holy Spirit), performed great wonders and signs among the people …” (Acts 6:8 NIV).  “… God did extraordinary MIRACLES (by the indwelling Holy Spirit) through Paul …” (Acts 19:11 NIV). “…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (the WORKS of the Holy Spirit) …” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). “… the Father that dwelleth in [you], he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).“… God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [those].. who are his . The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s [power and fruit]... THROUGH each of us …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… I am the Lord, I change NOT … ” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… the Father that dwelleth in [you], he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV). “…Simon himself believed … and wondered, beholdingthe miracles and signs which were done…” (Acts 8:13 KJV). “… God give[s] you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because … you believe  the message you heard about Christ…” (Galatians 3:5 NLT). “… [The]Good News)… It is the power (sign and wonder) of God at work (miraculously) SAVING …” (Romans 1:16 NLT)Jesus was sent to GIVE God the GLORY that is due to him and so are YOU. “... Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering (your LIFE through obedience), and come before him: worship (through righteous conduct) the Lord in the beauty of holiness (THE BEAUTY OF HIS PRESENCE WITNESSED THROUGH HIS GOODNESSES)...” (1 Chronicles 16:29 KJV).“...And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom , (God’s glory heard) and healing (God’s glory witnessed) every sickness and every disease among the people. ..” (Matthew 9:35 KJV). Righteous conduct, witnessed, revealed, demonstrated, “in” and “through” Jesus, drew the LOST and spiritually dead souls to God. “...the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing ...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed ...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “... Large crowds followed him , and he healed them there ...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV). “… God  … work[ed] … in … [Jesus] … what is pleasing to him [to him]…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… the Father... [that DWELLS within JESUS]… he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).“... Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering (your LIFE through obedience, submission, sacrifice, etc.), and come before him: worship (through righteous conduct) the Lord in the beauty of holiness (by demonstrating freedom from sin, being set apart for his purposes, etc.,)...” (1 Chronicles 16:29 KJV).“...Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!..” (1 Chronicles 16:29 NIV). “... Herein is (how) my Father glorified ..” (John 15:1-10 KJV).WHO IS THE FATHER THAT “YOU” GLORIFY upon the earth? “… “I AM WHO I AM ’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am  the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I, the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He ...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB).  “...The lord is GOOD …there is none good but one, that is, God ” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “… God is l ove…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…  I, the Lord, am your healer …” (Exodus 15:26). “… I AM HOLY… ” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  And, “ T here is none holy as the Lord …” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “… God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need] …” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!] ” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “…. The Lord is “my” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).“… … I am God , and there is none like me…"(Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).   “… [God] … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD , Your rock , in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation , YOUR stronghold .…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).  “ …My people …I will PUT my SPIRIT in you and you will LIVE …Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord ...’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).  “… so you will know that [GOD “IS”] the Lor d…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “… Then you will know that [GOD is] the Lordyour God …’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT). “ … [God, the Holy Spirit’s, true disciples will]… bear much fruit , and … PROVE to be [God’s]… disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV). Righteous conduct or spiritual fruit is the result of surrendering to the work, of the indwelling Holy Spirit, in and through you. “…Father …not Mywill, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “… I do nothing of myself …” (John 8:28 KJV).Righteous conduct or spiritual fruit is the result of trusting in, depending upon and cooperating with the character and attributes of God and his WORD. “… God is l ove…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).  “…the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM  (or depends upon him) WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “…Trust in (or depend upon) the Lord with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “… The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you] …” (John 14:31 NASB). “... Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  “… All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are TRUSTWORTHY (dependable)….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT). “…[God is]… sustaining ALL THINGS by his powerful word …” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “…in him  ALL THINGS hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “… God is l ove…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…My counsel … SHALL stand, and I will do all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).  “…So shall [his]… word be that goeth forth out of [his]… mouth: it shall not return unto [him]… void, but it shall accomplish that which [God]… please[s], and it shall prosper in the thing whereto [God]… sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).  “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).Righteous conduct or spiritual fruit GLORFIES GOD and is WITNESSED through OBEDIENCE.We are ALL given various assignments that take us through MANY trials and tribulations for possibly days, weeks, months, or even years.The VICTORY in those assignments are not in how they do or do not turn out as we expected, or whether they turn into a double blessings like Job, or if the person changes or doesn’t change; the VICTORY is PROVEN through the FRUIT!!! “... Herein is (how) my Father [IS] … glorified ..” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “ … [That his true disciples will]… bear much fruit , and … PROVE to be [God’s]… disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV). “… The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT). “...Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!..” (1 Chronicles 16:29 NIV). He PLANS to REWARD those who have LABORED, through the ASSIGNMENTS “HE” has given them. “ … AT the PROPER TIME “they” WILL REAP A HARVEST if ‘they” do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). And Jesus (THE WORD) said to him, “…I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).Becoming FRUITFUL BRANCHES glorifies God and reveals a loving, "covenant unity" relationship, you personally, share with God, the Holy Spirit.“… If you love me , you will ( not might, maybe, sometimes, when I feel like it, or occasional, etc. ) keep my commandments… ” (John 14:15).REMEMBER: “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE …” (John 3:6 NLT). “... The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. …” (Galatians 5 NLT). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit...” (John 15:8 NIV).    “…Ye shall know [those with the indwelling Holy Spirit]… by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “… He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). “… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).  "… My Father is glorified by this , that “YOU” bear much fruit...” (John 15:8 NIV).  "…[They you]... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). HIS GLORY (HIS PRESENCE, HIS GOODNESSES, AND HIS WORKING POWER) IS WITNESSED “IN” THE SPIRITUAL FRUIT DISPLAYED "THROUGH" HIS PEOPLE!!

WHATEVER YOU ASK IN MY NAME (HIS WORD) GOD "WILL" DO IT!!

God, the Holy Spirit said: ASK ANYTHING IN MY WORD AND I "WILL" DO IT!                     *
“... I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).* Fruitful branches choose to let the “God’s WORD” abide in them.”...If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you...” (John 15:7 KJV).“... Delight thyself ... in the Lord (the WORD); and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart ...” (Psalm 37:4 KJV). “… The sower (husbandman) SOWETH THE WORD …The seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …was sown in THEIR HEARTS (the ground; earth)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). Jesus had another name. “… [Jesus’ other name is]... The Word of God (the “good” seed)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “ … We have this treasure  (this seed) “ in” earthen (human) vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).  Jesus, the Word is good seed and if it abides in you it will produce a good crop. “…The seed (Word) that fell on good soil (human heart) ...  [will]... produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted... ” (Matthew 13: 18-23 NLT). Jesus, the Word is good seed and if it abides in you it will transform your mind. “…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (through the Word)….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). Jesus, the Word is good seed and if it abides in you it will conform your thoughts, actions, and emotions into the image of God’s Son. “…be conformedto the image of his Son (the WORD)…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). Jesus, the Word is good seed and if it abides in you, you can “ask whatsoever” and God, the Holy Spirit, will DO IT!. “... ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you...” (John 15:7 KJV). The BIBLE says: “… You can ask for anything in my name (“in” the word of god) , and I “will” do it ...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “….Y ou may ask for anything you want …” (JOHN 15:7 NASB). “… Ask and it will be given to you …” (Matthew 7:7 NIV). “…everyone who asks receives…” (Matthew 7:8 NIV).  “… God … is able, through his mighty power … to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT). “… You can ask for anything in my name (jesus, the word of god) . ..” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “… His name (Jesus’ name) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).  “…Jesus (the WORD of GOD) … said, “Father (Holy Spirit), thank you for hearing me (the WORD of God) . You always hear me (the WORD of God ...” (John 11:41-42 NLT). “… You can ask for anything in my name (“in” the word of god) , and I “will” do it ...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). .”... If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you ..” (John 15:7 KJV). “... ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you...” (John 15:7 KJV). “……The seed is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …was sown in [YOUR]... HEARTS [and therefore, will ABIDE there)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). .”... If ...my words abide in you ..” (John 15:7 KJV). “... ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you...” (John 15:7 KJV). “… THE WORDS (that ABIDE in the human heart)… they ARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “… The Lord (Jesus Christ, who is the Word of God) is that Spirit [too] …” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “I (Jesus the Word of God) and the father(God, who is Spirit) are one…” (John 10:30 KJV).  The “WORD” or JESUS is spirit and God is spirit; they are one and the same. “…the Wordwas God  …” (John 1:1-4 NASB). SINCE GOD IS SPIRIT, HIS WORDS CAN “ONLY” BE SPIRIT TOO! “… THE WORDS … they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).  THUS, “…God is not human “…God is Spirit” … Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV). “…The invisible [GOD]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …”(Romans 1:20 KJV). “ ... All things came into being (existence) through Him (the Word), and apart from Him (the Word) nothing came into being (nothing existed)that has come into being (existence)…” (John 1:3 NASB). “… All things came [OR COME] into being through [the WORD] … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s [WORD]…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “… BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were MADE…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).Therefore, “… You can ask for anything in my name (“IN” MY WORD, which is spirit) , and I “will” do it ...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “… You can ask for anything in my name (“in” the word of god, which is spirit) . ..” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “….Y ou may ask for anything you want …” (JOHN 15:7 NASB). “… Ask and it will be given to you …” (Matthew 7:7 NIV). “…everyone who asks receives…” (Matthew 7:8 NIV).  “… And this is the confidence that we have in him (Jesus, the Word) , that, if we ask any thing according to his will (revealed in his word) , he heareth us …” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “…[BECAUSE God, the Holy Spirit]... always hear me (the WORD of God ...” (John 11:41-42 NLT). “… [God’s ABIDING, fruitful branches] … Receive from him anything [they] ask , because [they] keep his commands (keep abiding in his Word) and do what pleases him …” (1 John 3:22 NIV). “… If we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him …” (1 John 5:15 NIV).  “…[AND BECAUSE God, the Holy Spirit]... always hear [his word]... .” (John 11:41-42 NLT). “… [ His word ] shall not return unto [him]… void, but it shall accomplish that which [God, the Holy Spirit]… please[s] , and it shall prosper in the thing whereto [God, the Holy Spirit]… sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). “… I will do whatever you ask in my name (“in” my word) , so that the Father may be glorified (REVEALED) in the Son (the WORD)…” (John 14:13 NIV). “… I will do whatever you ask in my name ( in the Word of God ) …” (John 14:13 NIV). "… [Depend upon THE WORD OF GOD and] …what [you] say will happen [and]…will be done for [you]….” (MARK 11:23 NIV). The HOLY SPIRIT “WILL” do; not “MIGHT” do, WHATEVER you ask in JESUS name or “in” THE WORD OF GOD. “…… HIS (JESUS) name is called The Word of God …” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). Whatever you ASK “IN” the WORD of GOD “WILL” be done and it “WILL” bring GLORY (REVELATION) to God. “… I will do whatever you ask in my name (IN MY WORD) , so that the Father may be glorified (revealed) in the Son (the WORD)…” (John 14:13 NIV). “… He has granted to [his people, fruitful branches]… His precious and magnificent promises …” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB). “… As many as are the promises of God , in Him (“in” the WORD) they are yes …also … Amen … ” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB).“… I will do whatever you ask in my ...[word] …” (John 14:13 NIV). This is not MAGIC and God is NOT a genie in a bottle. What God is SAYING is that he has GIVEN you FULL permission to UTILIZE the power and authority inherent in his WORD to accomplish his plans and purposes upon earth. “…Christ (the Word), who is the head over every power and authority (Colossians 2:10 NIV). “… The Son of Man (the WORD) has authority on earth to forgive sins...” (Matthew 9:6 NASB). “… Jesus (the WORD) …SPOKE to them, saying , “All authorityhas been given to Me in heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB). THE POWER AND AUTHORITY IS “IN” THE WORD. “… Jesus (the WORD) …SPOKE to them, saying , “All authority has been given to Mein heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB). Thus, GOD HAS GIVEN “HIS” PEOPLE (his ABIDING branches) POWER AND AUTHORITY “THROUGH” HIS WORD WHICH IS “IN” THEM. “…God, who had given such authority to men …” (Matthew 9:8 NASB). “… Jesus (THE WORD) ….gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases…” (Luke 9:1 NASB). “… I (JESUS, THE WORD) have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you…” (Luke 10:19 NASB). “… You can ask for anything in my name (in my  word which has “all” authority) , and I will do it ...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “….Y ou may ask for anything you want …” (JOHN 15:7 NASB). … Ask and it will be given to you …” (Matthew 7:7 NIV). “…everyone who asks receives…” (Matthew 7:8 NIV). “… I will do whatever you ask in my name (my word, my authority) , so that the Father may be glorified (revealed) in the Son (the WORD)…” (John 14:13 NIV).  “… And this is the confidence that we have in him (Jesus, the WORD) , that, if we ask any thing according to his will (his word) , he heareth us …” (1 John 5:14 KJV).  “…Jesus (the WORD)…said, “Father (Holy Spirit), thank you for hearing me (the WORD of God). You always hear me (the WORD of God)… .” (John 11:41-42 NLT). “… [We] … Receive from him anything we ask , because we keep his commands (abide in his Word] and do what pleases him …” (1 John 3:22 NIV). “... he work “IN US” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (the Word) …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… the Father … doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV). “ …May he (God, the Holy Spirit continue to) work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (the Word of God)…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… If we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him …” (1 John 5:15 NIV). “…Jesus (the WORD)…said, “Father (Holy Spirit)… You always hear me (the WORD of God)… .” (John 11:41-42 NLT). The POWER and AUTHORITY to ASK, or DECLARE or DECREE a thing,  or call those things that are NOT as though they were, or any GREAT work that is DONE according to and in agreement with GOD’s WORD, his WILL, and his PLAN, shall be DONE!! “… I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me (dependence upon me; the Word of God) will do what I (Jesus, the WORD) have been doing.  He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.  And I will do whatever you ask in my name,(Jesus, the WORD with inherent power and authority) so that the Son (also the WORD OF GOD) may bring glory (revelation and confirmation) to the Father (God, who is SPIRIT).  You may ask me for anything in my name,(the WORD, with inherent power and authority) and I will do it...”  (John 14:12-14 NIV). FRUITFUL BRANCHES that have the WORD ABIDING “in” them can ASK “anything,” with confidence, and will WITNESS the POWER of the GOSPEL/WORD! Fruitful branches IMITATE Jesus when it comes to speaking and asking God for things “in” his Word. Jesus openly admitted he didn’t even speak on his OWN, but said only what his Father GAVE him to say . “... the words  that I speak unto you I speak not of myself…” (John 14:10 KJV).  “... I have not spoken of myself ; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak...” (John 12:49 KJV). “... the word which ye hear is not mine , but the Father's which sent me...” (John 14:24 KJV). ”...If ... my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you...” (John 15:7 KJV). “... he shall give thee the desires of thine heart ...” (Psalm 37:4 KJV). “… Then you will know that [he is] the Lordyour God …’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “… … I am God , and there is none like me…"(Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).   “… [God] … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD , Your rock , in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation , YOUR stronghold .…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… His DIVINE POWER hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertainunto life and godliness …” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “…I will supply all your NEED …” (John 12:32 KJV). ). “... He careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).“… The LORD (the Word) “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you] …” (John 14:31 NASB). “… God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “… God will generously PROVIDE all you need (through his Word) …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). ”... ye shall ask what ye will , and it shall be done unto you ...” (John 15:7 KJV). “… You can ask for anything in my [word], and I will do it , so that the Son (the Word) can bring glory to the Father.   Yes, ask me for anything in my [word], and I will do it ...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).  “… Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass …” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).  “… He has granted to [you]… His precious and magnificent promises (his Word) …” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB). “… I knew (the Word knew) that thou (God, the Holy Spirit) hearest me always…” (John 11:41-42 KJV).  “…God, who had given such authority to men …” (Matthew 9:8 NASB).  “… I (JESUS, THE WORD) have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you…” (Luke 10:19 NASB). “… You can ask for anything in my [word], and I will do it , so that the Son (the Word) can bring glory to the Father.   Yes, ask me for anything “in” my [ word ], and I will do it . ..” (John 14:12-14 NLT).