A. God is Just and God is Love

2 Th 1:6  God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.

1 John 4: 8  Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

B. God will exercise fair justice

Justice consists of three elements: (1) the right thing (law); (2) deserved punishment or reward; (3) the one who administers it.

Romans 2: 2  Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth (1). 6  God "will give to each person according to what he has done". 7  To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality(1), he will give eternal life(2,3). 8  But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil(1), there will be wrath and anger(2).

C. Gods is compassionate, slow to anger, forgiving, and abounding in love

Exodus 34: 6  And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7  maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation."

D. The bible gives us many warnings through examples of Gods punishment

Leviticus 10: 1 Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu were killed for doing something against Gods command. 2 Samual 6:1-6 Uzzah was killed because of an irreverent act. Acts 5:1-10 Annanias and Sapphira were killed on the spot since they lied. Joshua 7. Achan stole as plunder and for this he and his whole family were stoned. 1 Kings 13 An anonymous prophet is killed for not obeying to God’s command. 2 Kings 2:23-24 A group of youths (42) are killed by a bear for jeering and making fun of the prophet Elisha. Mark 5 Jesus tells us that the hypocritical teachers of the law will be punished most severely. Hebrews 12: 28  … let us … worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29  for our "God is a consuming fire."

E. Equally, there are many examples in which God demonstrates his love to people

Mercy on Israel (Numbers 14), Mercy on Nineveh (Jonah), Joseph (Genesis 45:4), David (2 Samuel 8:1-15), Solomon (1 Kings 10:14-29), Job (Job 42:10-17), Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:11-16), Daniel (Daniel 2:46-49) and his friends (Daniel 3:30), Esther (Esther 2:17-18) and Mordecai (Esther 10:3), Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:7), Asa (2 Chronicles 15:18-19)

F. Gods greatest act of love is our salvation

John 3: 16  "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 John 9  This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

10  This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

G. In return, we are told to love God and love others, which is not always easy

Matthew 22:37  Jesus replied: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38  This is the first and greatest commandment. 39  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ 40  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Compare Mark (12:28-34) and Luke (10:25-28)).

Matthew 5:21 ¶  "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’22  But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.5: 27 ¶  "You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’28  But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

H. If we continue on our path of sanctification, we will first be disciplined and then rewarded.

Revelations: 3: 19  Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.

5:12  In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!" 21: 21  To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

I. Summary: God is just and love; he will give to each person according to what he has done.

Psalm 62:11  One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, 12  and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done. Compare Job 34: 11, Matthew 16:26, Romans 2: 6.

Revelation 22: 12  "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done

Questions for reflection

1. Do you feel more attracted to God’s love or God’s justice? Which is more important (if any)?
2. Did God have another option to save us than through the death of his son?
3. Why did God make us with freedom of choice, knowing that we could sin?
4. Did God know we would go against his will?
5. What would you tell to people who believe that God is just love?
6. What would you tell to people who believe that God is cruel and only punishing us?