Is God Fair?

Discussing the fairness of God is a profound and intricate topic that delves into the very heart of human understanding of morality, mercy, justice, and the nature of the divine. The question of whether God is fair encompasses a broad spectrum of scriptural interpretations. To explore this question, we must examine various angles in the Word of God.

Divine Justice in Scripture

1. The Creator’s Character

The Bible portrays the Lord as inherently fair and just in His dealings with humanity. Psalm 89:14 (NKJV) declares, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.” This verse establishes the divine attributes of righteousness and justice as fundamental to His nature.

2. His Mercy

While the heavenly Father’s justice demands accountability, His mercy offers redemption. Exodus 34:6,7 (NKJV) elucidates this balance, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty…” This passage highlights the divine prerogative to extend mercy transcending human merit. His loving-kindness is abundant (Isaiah 55:7; Romans 5:20). It is His mercy that moderates His judgments and makes Him “longsuffering” (Lamentations 3:22; Romans 2:4).

The attribute of love is a veritable part of the Lord’s essential nature; without it He would not be “God.” When the Lord must punish us for our sins, He does it in love, for our own good—not in anger. Like the surgeon, the Lord may use the cutting knife of sorrow to effect the healing of the soul’s sickness and injury that has resulted from sin (Hebrews 12:5–11; Revelation 3:19).

3. His Justice

The concept of divine retribution is frequently discussed in the Scriptures. Galatians 6:7 (NKJV) states, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” This verse underscores the principle of moral accountability, suggesting that individuals will ultimately face consequences for their actions.

The Creator’s justice is an essential part of His nature no less than His mercy; without it He could not be Himself. Justice is a necessary consequence of His true love, for “a Creator all mercy is a Creator unjust.” Without justice there could be no mercy. Although we read in the Bible that God delights in mercy (Micah 7:18), we never read in the Scriptures that God delights in bringing His judgments upon His creatures. On the contrary, His judgments are said to be a “strange work” (Isaiah28:21, KJV).

4. The Paradox of Job

The book of Job presents a profound exploration of divine justice amid human suffering. Job 34:12 (NKJV) reflects the tension between divine fairness and human comprehension, “Surely God will never do wickedly, nor will the Almighty pervert justice.” Despite Job’s righteous character, he experiences immense suffering, prompting theological reflection on the bigger picture behind the scenes in the battle between good and evil.

Human Understanding and Limitations

1. Finite Perspective

Human understanding is inherently limited when grappling with the infinite complexities of divine justice. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV) acknowledges this limitation, “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” This passage underscores the vast disparity between human comprehension and divine wisdom.

2. Mystery of Evil and Suffering

The existence of evil and suffering in the world presents a profound challenge to notions of divine fairness. Ecclesiastes 8:14 (NKJV) observes, “There is a vanity which occurs on earth, that there are just men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked.” This verse reflects the enigmatic nature of human experience, where the righteous may suffer unjustly, defying conventional understandings of fairness due to many intertwined factors that play a role in bringing about this condition.

3. Faith and Trust

Despite the apparent injustices in the world, faith calls believers to trust in God’s ultimate wisdom and goodness. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) encapsulates this sentiment, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This verse encourages reliance on God’s guidance even in the face of uncertainty. The heavenly Father qualifies for our trust by being “abundant” in “truth.” Truth lies at the root of His moral character; it is the precise opposite of hypocrisy (Psalms 108:4; 117:2; John 14:6; James 3:14).

Theological Perspective

Fairness would mean that everyone receives exactly what he or she deserves. If the Creator was completely fair, we would all be sentenced to death for our sins, which is exactly what we deserve because we have all disobeyed Him and are, therefore, worthy of eternal death. “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

The Lord is much more than fair! He is infinitely merciful. But because He is also holy, just and righteous (Isaiah 48:17), our sins had to be atoned for that we may be saved from their penalty. So, the heavenly Father offered His Son Jesus to die on the cross in our place, taking the punishment that we deserve. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV). He has made His Son to be sin for us that we might be made righteousness in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

All we have to do is to accept His death on our behalf (John 1:12) and “walk, even as He walked” (1 John 2:6). If we respond to Him, we will receive far more, and much better, than what we deserve. We will have “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20, NKJV). Then, we will be saved, forgiven, and receive an eternal home in heaven.

But those who do not respond, will receive what they deserve because of their sinful deeds. “he who does not believe is condemned already” (John 3:18, 36, NKJV). The heavenly Father draws all men to Him (John 12:32). Therefore, let us respond to His call of love. For He says, “Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth!” (Isaiah 45:22, NKJV).

Conclusion

The question of whether God is fair encompasses a multifaceted exploration of divine justice, divine mercy and human understanding. While the Scriptures affirm the Creator’s righteousness and justice, they also acknowledge the limitations of human comprehension in grappling with the depth of divine wisdom. Ultimately, faith calls believers to trust in the Lord’s goodness and sovereignty, even amid the apparent injustices of the world. As believers seek to understand the fairness of the Lord, they are invited into a deeper relationship marked by humility, trust, and reverence for the divine mystery.

For an answer to this valid question, check the following video: Is God Fair? (Video with an unexpected answer) from proofdirectory on GodTube.

In His service,
BibleAsk Team