Mercy and Justice

Mercy and Justice.  Two extremes – like oil and water.

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” – John‬ ‭3:36‬

All of us like the idea of unconditional love and mercy.  After all, who wouldn’t want a “do over” or a mulligan?  To be sure, God offers that to us.

The other side of the coin is justice.  We all want justice, too – usually for the people who do us wrong.

What do you want: Mercy or justice?

The Classic Western Movie

Countless western movies have entertained us using the common theme of justice.

A protagonist or “bad guy” shows up one day.  He begins to take advantage of hapless damsels and townspeople.  And, after everyone in the movie theater is sufficiently incensed and angry, something happens.

A humble and meek (yet strong) hero unassumingly rides in on his horse to save the day.

This passerby (hero) asks the “bad guy” to change his wicked ways. But, despite repeated warnings, the “bad guy” continues on his path of destruction.

Eventually, our hero deals with the “bad guy” in the story.  Then, all the townspeople (and all of us watching in the theater or at home) cheer.  Justice is served!

As much as our soul’s crave mercy, we also desire to see justice done.  God is the perfect blend of the two.

Mercy and Justice

We all love mercy; yet, we all love justice.

In this story, we are all the “bad guy.”  Yes, even the best of us have been a “bad guy” sometimes.

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” – Romans 3:23

In this story, the meek and humble (yet all powerful) hero is Jesus Christ.

God gives us the choice to accept His forgiveness and mercy by placing our faith in the hero – Jesus Christ.  And, by doing so, our hero will relent and offer us mercy.

“and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” – Romans 3:24

Shouldn’t Everyone Go to Heaven?

Some people hold the mistaken belief that an all-loving God should allow everyone into heaven.

Right?  If God is love, shouldn’t everyone go to heaven?

Well, these people are partly right.  God gives ALL of us the opportunity to go to heaven.

He really is that merciful.  But, we have to receive Him.

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—” – John 1:12

The Best Kept Secret in America

My friend and great pastor, CW Perry, once said something.  It went something like, “The best kept secret in America is how to get to heaven.”

And, here’s the secret:

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9

It’s just that simple.  But, simple isn’t necessarily easy.

Why, You Ask?

If the gospel message is so simple, why doesn’t everyone accept the truth and the gift?

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” – John 3:19

You see: The life and/or activities of a “bad guy” can be appealing.

“but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” – James 1:14

Justice is Coming

In this life, and like in our western movie theme, the “bad guy” isn’t going to continue to wreak havoc.  Justice is coming.  Jesus is coming – again!

God is love.  He has given each of us the ability to make our own decisions.  But, he is also a God of justice.  In His love, God allows people to choose to do good or evil.  But, He will not let evil continue indefinitely.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9

Reprise

This takes us back to the verse we started with.  Mercy and justice – and perfectly blended.

Mercy: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, ….” – John‬ ‭3:36‬

Justice: “… but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” – John‬ ‭3:36‬

What Do You Want?

If you didn’t already, you now know the secret about how to get into heaven.  So, have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ?

Our hero is coming soon.  And, you get to pick what you get: mercy or justice.  Will God’s wrath remain on you?  Or, will you choose to believe in the Son – and accept mercy?

I hope you choose the latter.

Contact me if you would like to discuss any of this; I’d love to have a conversation with you.