Gospel In Life — Quarterly
by Dr. Tim Keller
Fall 2020
Timothy J. Keller (born September 23, 1950) is an American pastor, theologian, and Christian apologist. He is the chairman and co-founder of Redeemer City to City, which trains pastors for service around the world.
Introductory note:
In a previous article I argued that all the secular political options and justice theories, from “right” to “left”-Libertarianism, Liberalism, Utilitarianism, Progressivism-are grounded in reductionistic worldviews. [1]
Christians should not ignore any of the rightful concerns that they raise, but also should not wholly align themselves with any of them.
Only biblical justice is comprehensive enough to address the needs of the human condition.
In this article, I lay out in greater detail what biblical justice is.
(Note: My essay assumes
- the abiding relevance of the Old Testament, [2]
- the antithesis between Christian and all non-Christian worldviews, [3] and yet
- the doctrine of common grace. [4]
For readers who disagree or who want to explore these topics at greater length, see the footnotes in the previous sentence.)
Outline of the publication
- 1. The God of Justice
- 2. The Facets of Justice
- 3. Working for Justice
Only biblical justice is comprehensive enough to address the needs of the human condition.
1. The God of Justice
Biblical justice is not first of all a set of bullet points or a set of rules and guidelines.
It is rooted in the very character of God and it is the outworking of that character, which is never less than just.
In his magisterial work on God’s attributes, Herman Bavinck argues that in the Bible, God’s justice is both retributive and reparative.
It not only punishes evildoing, but it restores those who are victims of injustice.
Yet interestingly, “God’s remunerative [restorative] justice is far more prominent in Scripture than his retributive justice.” [5]
- God stands against “perverting the justice due the poor…
- slaying the innocent and righteous…
- accepting bribes….
- oppressing the alien, the widow, and the orphan…”
- God “raises them to a position of honor and well-being…
- [D]oing justice with an eye to the needy becomes an act [also] of grace and mercy.”
And therefore, God’s restorative justice “is not, like his anger, opposed to his steadfast love but is closely akin and synonymous with it.”
His justice is “simultaneously the manifestation of his grace (Psalm 97:11–12; 112:3–6; 116:5; 118:15–19).” [6]
Biblical justice is not first of all a set of bullet points or a set of rules and guidelines. It is rooted in the very character of God and it is the outworking of that character, which is never less than just.
The Lord’s justice is also retributive.
He not only establishes justice for those who have been wronged and mistreated, but he also metes out punishment to those who have perpetrated those wrongs.
He “does not spare the wicked” (Ezekiel 7:4, 9, 27; 8:18; 9:10). [7] ]
As the Judge of all the earth, the Lord will finally give everyone what justice dictates is due to them (Acts 17:30–31).
But he will also restore and “renew all things” so there is no more evil, suffering, or death (Matthew 19:28).
He not only establishes justice for those who have been wronged and mistreated, but he also metes out punishment to those who have perpetrated those wrongs
Both his retributive and remunerative justice will come to final fulfillment at the end of history, and we will live in a new heavens and new earth filled with dikaiosune — justice (2 Peter 3:13). [8]
Both his retributive and remunerative justice will come to final fulfillment at the end of history, and we will live in a new heavens and new earth filled with dikaiosune — justice
About the author:
Timothy J. Keller (born September 23, 1950) is an American pastor, theologian, and Christian apologist. He is the chairman and co-founder of Redeemer City to City, which trains pastors for service around the world.
Dr. Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.
Note from the Editor of the Portal:
This is a republication of the article above, considering it´s biblical foundation. The Editor of the Portal does not necessarily agree with all the points made here.
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