Jenster said:
Hello. I was pondering this question today, in regards to interpersonal conflict. Suppose Bob wrongs Harold. Bob does not repent, and Harold has to deal with the consequences of Bob's actions.
Bob's original action is in the past. It's gone, done with, can't be changed. Not only that, but he disavows any responsibility now for what Harold is suffering.
When we affirm that God is a JUST God, what does this mean to Harold? Can he believe that God will "deal" with Bob, and if so, in what way?
My point of confusion is this: If Jesus died for everyone's sins, then that should satisfy God's need for "payment" for the sins. So does that let everyone off the hook, and no one has to make up for the damage that he or she causes others?
Would greatly appreciate some clarification on this. Thank you!!
Your question, and the basis of it lie in a basic lack of knowledge of G-d. This isn't meant as a slam. Most Christians have a pretty nebulous concept of G-d at best. The doctrine of G-d is not an easy study and entails more work than most want to put into it. Also, underlying this, is the fact that as a finite people we won't have a proper understanding and knowledge of G-d until we meet Him in glory.
Because G-d is G-d He has certain things or attributes that make Him G-d. More often than not Christians seem to only concentrate on His Attribute of Love. This is a big one because everyone is emotionally drawn to what everyone, even Oprah and Dr. Phil call unconditional love. Most people want the warm fuzzies, like PJs right out of the dryer or a hug from a loved one in front of a blazing fireplace. But one attribute does not a G-d make.
G-d has all of the attributes of G-d, and He has them in perfect balance. If He didn't He wouldn't be G-d. G-d's love has to be balanced by His other attributes, and He can't allow one attribute to overwhelm any of the others.
We could fill several pages of posts just listing and explaining the attributes of G-d. sufficient for our purposes will be a short list with a brief definition:
SovereigntyG-d is totally, absolutely in control of everything
ImmutabilityG-d is unchangeable the same yesterday, today and forever.
OmniscienceG-d knows everything
OmnipresenceG-d is everywhere(perhaps better understood as everything and everyplace is continually before G-d)
OmnipotentG-d can do anything
HolinessG-d is completely separated from evil; separation from evil requires,
JusticeG-d must punish evil
You'll notice the last two item in this list (which is by no means comprehensive) the Holiness and Justice of G-d are the attributes (based also in the Sovereignty and omniscienc of G-d which make Him "Just" As the Creator and sustainer of life He sovereignly has the right and responsibility to determine right and wrong or righteousness and evil. Since His nature is completely separated from evil He has to punish it.
We are told in the Scriptures, "Vengeance is mine says the Lord, I will repay." We are promised that G-d will divinely determine how someone will pay for their evil or sin done in this life. We not only don't have to worry about it, we are commanded not to dwell upon it. Jesus said that we are to forgive thoses who wrong us 70 times 7 times. This was a Hebreism, or a way of saying that we are to just keep on forgiving. If we continue to dwell on the things that people do in this life to wrong us it creates a root of bitterness in our spirit which keeps us from enjoying the life that Jesus has purchesed for us.