The concept of Divine justice in Christianity
Divine justice in Christianity encapsulates the higher moral law enforced by God, balancing forgiveness and retribution. It signifies God's impartial judgment that punishes sin while offering paths to redemption through Christ's sacrifice. This principle governs not only individual actions but also the broader cosmic order, enforcing moral accountability in life and determining eternal consequences. Various Christian denominations highlight different aspects of divine justice, such as its necessity for fairness, the moral framework it establishes, and its role in the reconciliation of humanity with God.
Synonyms: God's judgment, Heavenly justice, Righteous judgment, Divine retribution, Moral order, Retribution, Moral righteousness, Cosmic justice
In Finnish: Jumalallinen oikeudenmukaisuus; In German: Göttliche Gerechtigkeit; In Spanish: Justicia divina; In Malay: Keadilan Ilahi; In Swedish: Gudomlig rättvisa; In Dutch: Goddelijke gerechtigheid; In French: La justice divine
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Divine justice'
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) This refers to the idea of justice as it is understood within a religious context, where true good is regulated according to this standard, and the law reflects the true good.[1] (2) The concept of fairness and righteousness as determined by a higher power, which condemns human nature for sin, making all debtors to death, thereby aligning with the need for resurrection.[2] (3) This is a concept the text uses to describe the justice system, and it is presented as the basis for human justice, influencing how judges make decisions.[3] (4) This is a consideration in the Divine judgment, and man is hindered from sinning through choice by fear, arising from the consideration of the Divine justice that punishes sins.[4] (5) The idea that a higher power ensures fairness and righteousness in the universe, administering appropriate consequences for actions, and upholding moral principles, in addition to ensuring balance and equity.[5]
From: Works of St. Anselm
(1) The principle that divine authority requires punishment for sin, which stands in contrast to any idea of mercy that disregards this punishment.[6]
From: The city of God
(1) Divine justice refers to the fairness and righteousness of God's actions, especially in punishing disobedience and upholding authority.[7]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This term refers to the aspect of fairness and righteousness within the divine, highlighting the balance between forgiveness and retribution, as it is presented in the text.[8] (2) His death effects a change in the aspects of the divine government, and in the incidence of the divine justice, as the text describes.[9] (3) The text refers to an act of justice, signifying the divine's role in delivering fairness, with emphasis on the need for assurance regarding the safety of the individuals and the new world following a significant event.[10] (4) The fairness and impartiality of God's judgments, which align with His laws and truths regarding humility and pride.[11] (5) The concept of God's judgment and the consequences for human sin.[12]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) Divine justice is the righteous judgment, which, when violated, demands a penalty, and a higher power's love can flow in harmony.[13] (2) This is the justice that governs the youth of Israel's existence and will in a future state reward or punish according to men's deserts when the present extraordinary providence should be withdrawn.[14] (3) The idea of Christ interposing between divine justice and the redeemed, like the mercy-seat interposing between the law and the cherubim, representing the relationship between God and humanity.[15] (4) The execution of God's will as perceived in the context of the Canaanite extermination, representing a divine response to sin and idolatry.[16] (5) The concept of God's requirement for justice to be satisfied, which is integral to the reconciliation process.[17]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) This is a doctrine that a true prophet must inculcate on the people, along with the doctrine of retribution, as a part of their duty.[18] (2) Divine justice refers to the laws and punishments given by God, as a testimony to the people of Israel, and as a way to test their faith.[19] (3) Divine justice is denounced in Amos 3, intermingled like repeated thunderclaps, and it is a part of the message conveyed within the writings.[20] (4) Represents God's righteous judgment that punishes sin and wrongdoing.[21] (5) The concept of God’s fairness and righteousness in the administration of good and evil in the world.[22]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) The concept of a higher moral law enforced by divine authority, which was invoked to settle disputes among family heads.[23] (2) The concept that God will implement justice, as indicated by the coming judgment on the world through the Chaldaeans.[24] (3) The aspect of Divine righteousness that manifests as absolute fairness, often referred to in biblical texts to highlight God's impartiality.[25]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Divine justice is a core concept that emphasizes the necessity for fairness, where individuals are judged based on their actions during their earthly existence, and their eternal fate is determined accordingly, as presented in the passage.[26] (2) Divine Justice is the recipient of penances offered for sins, according to the Roman system, which contradicts the Christian doctrine of justification and Primitive Church teachings.[27] (3) The concept of God's righteousness and fairness in judging the nations.[28] (4) The moral framework established by God, which man is expected to understand and embody through his actions.[29] (5) The concept of fairness and moral righteousness as governed by God, which may not seem universally applied to humanity.[30]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) Refers to the moral authority of God to administer justice, often contrasted with His mercy.[31] (2) The concept that God's actions, including any inflictions of suffering, are rooted in His righteousness, although His reasons may not always be understood by humankind.[32] (3) The characteristic of God that relates to fairness and moral rightness, essential for the establishment and maintenance of order in creation.[33] (4) The triumph of Divine holiness, reflecting God's actions and judgments in response to human behavior and sin.[34] (5) God's righteousness that demands balance and fairness, influencing the way He interacts with sin and the act of forgiveness.[35]
From: The Second Helvetic Confession
(1) Divine justice is satisfied by Christ's actions, specifically his sufferings and resurrection, which leads to God being propitious regarding our sins.[36]
From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite
(1) The concept that God administers rewards and punishments based on individuals' actions during their earthly lives.[37] (2) A principle of fairness and order that governs the distribution of power and existence to all beings.[38]