Judging the Sinner
The Bible tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8) and His mercy is great (Ephesians 2:4). But God is also just (Psalm 25:8). In order to uphold His attributes of holiness and justice, He must judge and punish sin (Numbers 14:18; Nah. 1:3). A good judge will never just pardon the offender but will also administer justice. In God’s government, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 18:4). So, God can not just forgive the sinner without executing the punishment of death because “without shedding of blood is no remission” of sin (Hebrews 9:22).
Yet, instead of the sinner dying according to God’s law, Jesus offered Himself to die on behalf of humanity. At the cross, we see God as both the “just and the justifier” (Matthew 27:33–35; Romans 3:26). The innocent Son of God Himself carried our guilt. “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). There is no greater love than this that someone will die for those whom he loves (John 15:13). Thus, God’s mercy and justice were fully revealed and fulfilled at the cross.
The life and death of Jesus proved forever how God regards sin (2 Corinthians 5:19). It showed God’s infinite love for all sinners, a love that could not only forgive, but could also win fallen sinners to surrender and by His grace yield perfect obedience (Romans 1:5). God’s plan of salvation not only makes it possible to pardon and restore us, but it also demonstrates for all ages to come the absolute perfection of His own character and the complete union of justice and love in the divine government (Psalm 116:5).
But God can’t forgive our sins unless we claim the blood of Jesus as our substitute. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12). The decisive factor in salvation lies with us. Man has to submit to God.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
