C A R L B. G A R N E R

'JUSTICE'

There is a lot of talk about the "J" word these days. Webster defines justice as "conformity to moral principles of law; fair and proper treatment of the accused regarding reward or punishment." It has become a popular subject, and even more so since the Simpson trial.

In the old western days, "frontier justice" usually meant a rope, a tree and a rustler. True justice no doubt suffered a bit during those days, but it may have been the only system possible at the time. The expression vigilante law obtained a sinister reputation because it usually involved a mob of people executing people instead of justice. Barn-burnings, lynchings and "tar and feather" verdicts were a common result.

In recent months, opportunities for justice have been in the spotlight in all the newspapers. Two men have been on trial for the Oklahoma City bombing. Other trials have been highlighted in association with the Rodney King incident. A British nanny's trial was on virtually every news program for weeks. Did she really kill that child? Was justice given to her and to child's family? We are strong on justice in this country. When man believes justice is not a probability, some may even favor those who take the law into their own hands. This is especially true when it is thought that this is the only way justice can be assured.

Some people use the word justice when they really mean vengeance. A recent NBC story told of an incident in which a police officer in a major city shot a known drug dealer who had been arrested, charged, and then released many times by our "justice" system. Was true justice served? Or not? We are having a hard time deciding that issue, but as a nation we expect justice! Don't we?

This word is not a stranger to Bible students, found hundreds of times in terms such as judgment, righteous, no respecter of persons, just, without partiality and others. No quality of God is more real and more obvious than His justice and righteousness. When God speaks, He "cannot lie," Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18. Note the following verses that extol the virtue and righteousness of Jehovah:
Deuteronomy 32:4 "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he."
Psalm 97:2 "Righteousness and justice are the habitation of his throne." [ASV]
Jeremiah 4:2 "Jehovah liveth, in truth, in justice, and righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory." [ASV]
Acts 10:34-35 "Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."

There are few Bible principles with which man has quarreled more than the question of God's justice when commending someone to an eternal abode in Hell. Atheism enjoys using this as a means of questioning even the existence of such a God. Those with questionable lifestyles are first to question God's ability to be fair when eternal judgment is discussed. They are quick to demand justice when they hear of criminal acts committed on our nation's streets, but they are also the first to deny to God the authority to judge mankind. Why do they question the integrity and authority of Jehovah? Can it be because they feel they cannot afford not to question God's justice? If they live on the outer fringes of right and wrong, and their ethics are described by such words as "borderline" or "questionable," they may think their accusations help them avoid the consequences of their actions. They may think if they can successfully charge the Gospel with injustice, it may take the spotlight off their actions. But their charge of injustice cannot be sustained against Jehovah. The very nature of His law is justice and fairness. Leviticus 19:15 says, "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour." They were told to be scrupulously fair in their justice, giving advantage neither to the rich or the poor. Nor will God's justice give advantage to rich or poor; weak or powerful; privileged or working class; learned or ignorant.

Who can be fairer than a God Who gives us a Book specifying what behavior is acceptable and what is condemned? Abraham posed the rhetorical question, "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Genesis 18:25. Yes, Jehovah will "do right"; He will judge man according to truth, Romans 2:6. But, unlike man's justice, there will be no perjured witnesses, no questionable rulings, no fear of bribed jurors or judges, no plea bargaining and no appeals.

With our homes guarded by alarm systems, bars on the windows of our business establishments, and a gun under our pillow for protection, we are weary of the violence that brings harm to so many. Crime must not go unpunished. If such is true for our world, how can anyone deny the necessity of justice from our Creator. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap," Galatians 6:7.

We may evade man's justice, but God's justice is sure, stedfast and dependable. And He will remain true to His nature.