Understanding God's Fairness: Holiness, Justice, and Mercy
Summary
It is a joy to gather together and explore the profound question, "Is God fair?" This question has been a point of contemplation for theologians, Christians, and skeptics alike. To address this, we must first understand two fundamental issues: our perception of God and our perception of ourselves. Often, we think too highly of ourselves and not highly enough of God. This misalignment leads to questions about God's fairness and justice.
John Calvin provides a helpful illustration: a man with perfect vision is blinded when he looks at the sun, reminding us that our understanding is limited when compared to God's infinite glory. We must recalibrate our thinking, as Romans 12 suggests, to renew our minds and align our understanding with God's truth.
One common objection is that God is not fair because bad things happen to good people. However, this assumes that we are inherently good, which Scripture refutes. Romans 3 and Ephesians 2 remind us of our fallen nature and our inability to please God. The only truly good person, Jesus, suffered on the cross, highlighting the ultimate act of injustice. Instead, we should marvel at why good things happen to us, who are undeserving.
Another objection is the severity of hell. Many struggle with the idea of eternal punishment. Yet, when we understand God's holiness, we see that sin against an infinitely holy God warrants an eternal consequence. Isaiah 6 and other scriptures reveal God's holiness and justice, affirming that He is a righteous judge.
In conclusion, understanding God's fairness requires a right view of His holiness and our sinfulness. Despite our unworthiness, God extends mercy through salvation, the ultimate good gift. For those facing trials, Romans 8:28 assures us that God works all things for good, even when we cannot see it. Trust in His sovereignty and justice, knowing that He is fair and just in all His ways.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding God's Fairness: To grasp God's fairness, we must first understand who God is and who we are. Our limited perspective often leads us to question His justice, but recognizing His infinite holiness and our sinfulness realigns our understanding. [03:07]
2. The Misconception of Human Goodness: The belief that bad things happen to good people is flawed because it assumes human goodness. Scripture teaches that none are righteous, and our fallen nature separates us from God. The real marvel is why good things happen to us, underscoring God's mercy. [06:33]
3. The Severity of Hell: The objection to hell's severity stems from a misunderstanding of God's holiness. Sin against an infinitely holy God requires an eternal consequence. Recognizing God's justice helps us see that hell is not too severe but a reflection of His righteousness. [12:23]
4. God's Mercy and Justice: God's justice is perfect, and He extends mercy to those who trust in Him. While unbelievers receive justice, believers receive mercy, highlighting the profound grace of salvation. Understanding this distinction deepens our appreciation for God's fairness. [19:20]
5. Trusting God's Sovereignty in Trials: In life's challenges, we can trust that God is working all things for our good. His sovereignty assures us that our suffering has purpose, and His ultimate good is our salvation. This perspective brings peace amidst trials. [21:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - Introduction to the Question of God's Fairness
- [01:03] - Personal Reflection on Understanding the Gospel
- [02:29] - Addressing Common Objections
- [03:07] - Understanding God and Ourselves
- [04:29] - John Calvin's Illustration
- [05:08] - Renewing Our Minds
- [05:51] - The Assumption of Human Goodness
- [06:33] - Scriptural Insights on Human Sinfulness
- [07:59] - Our Inability to Please God
- [08:44] - The State of Humanity Outside of Christ
- [10:22] - The Marvel of God's Mercy
- [11:06] - The Objection to Hell's Severity
- [12:23] - Understanding God's Holiness
- [13:09] - The Creation Account and Human Rebellion
- [14:44] - R.C. Sproul's Insight on Hell
- [15:24] - The Holiness of God in Isaiah 6
- [16:53] - Degrees of Punishment in Hell
- [18:27] - Justice and Mercy
- [20:08] - The Cost of Redemption
- [20:48] - Trusting God in Trials
- [22:13] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 3:10-18
2. Ephesians 2:1-3
3. Isaiah 6:1-5
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 3:10-18, what does Paul say about the righteousness of humanity? How does this passage challenge the assumption that people are inherently good? [06:33]
2. In Ephesians 2:1-3, how does Paul describe the state of humanity outside of Christ? What terms does he use to convey our spiritual condition? [08:44]
3. How does Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6:1-5 illustrate the holiness of God? What is the reaction of the seraphim and Isaiah himself to God's presence? [15:24]
4. What illustration does John Calvin use to explain our limited understanding compared to God's infinite glory, and how does this relate to our perception of fairness? [04:29]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest that our perception of God's fairness is influenced by our understanding of His holiness and our sinfulness? Why is it important to recalibrate our thinking in this regard? [03:07]
2. The sermon mentions that the only truly good person, Jesus, suffered on the cross. How does this event challenge the notion that bad things happen to good people? What does this reveal about God's justice and mercy? [10:22]
3. In what ways does the sermon address the objection to the severity of hell? How does understanding God's holiness help us comprehend the concept of eternal punishment? [12:23]
4. How does the sermon explain the distinction between God's justice and mercy? What implications does this have for believers and unbelievers? [19:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own perception of God's fairness. How has your understanding of His holiness and your sinfulness changed after this discussion? What steps can you take to align your thinking with this new understanding? [03:07]
2. Consider a time when you questioned why bad things happen to good people. How does the sermon challenge this assumption, and how can you shift your focus to marvel at the good things God has done for you despite your unworthiness? [10:22]
3. The sermon discusses the severity of hell and God's justice. How does this understanding affect your view of sin and its consequences? What changes might you make in your life to reflect a deeper appreciation for God's holiness? [12:23]
4. In what ways can you demonstrate gratitude for God's mercy in your daily life? How can you share this understanding of God's justice and mercy with others who may struggle with the concept of fairness? [19:20]
5. Romans 8:28 assures us that God works all things for good. How can you apply this promise to a current trial or challenge in your life? What practical steps can you take to trust in God's sovereignty and find peace amidst difficulties? [21:30]
6. Think about a situation where you felt life was unfair. How does the sermon encourage you to view such situations differently? What specific actions can you take to trust in God's justice and mercy in these moments? [20:48]
7. How can you cultivate a mindset that recognizes the marvel of God's mercy in everyday blessings? Identify one area of your life where you can intentionally practice gratitude for God's goodness. [10:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Realigning Our Perspective of God and Ourselves
Understanding God's fairness begins with recognizing His infinite holiness and our own sinfulness. Often, we question God's justice because we have an inflated view of our own goodness and a diminished view of God's glory. John Calvin's illustration of a man blinded by the sun serves as a reminder of our limited understanding compared to God's infinite nature. Romans 12 encourages us to renew our minds, aligning our thoughts with God's truth. By doing so, we can better grasp His fairness and justice. [03:07]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares 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."
Reflection: In what ways have you underestimated God's holiness or overestimated your own goodness? How can you begin to adjust your perspective today?
Day 2: The Illusion of Human Goodness
The belief that bad things happen to good people is based on the flawed assumption of inherent human goodness. Scripture, however, teaches that none are righteous and that our fallen nature separates us from God. Romans 3 and Ephesians 2 remind us of our inability to please God on our own. The real marvel is not why bad things happen to good people, but why good things happen to us at all, underscoring God's mercy and grace. [06:33]
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt wronged. How might a deeper understanding of human sinfulness and God's mercy change your perspective on that situation?
Day 3: The Righteousness of God's Judgment
Many struggle with the concept of hell, questioning its severity. This objection often stems from a misunderstanding of God's holiness. Sin against an infinitely holy God warrants an eternal consequence. Recognizing God's justice helps us see that hell is not too severe but a reflection of His righteousness. Isaiah 6 and other scriptures reveal God's holiness and justice, affirming that He is a righteous judge. [12:23]
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 (ESV): "In flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might."
Reflection: How does understanding the holiness of God change your view of sin and its consequences? What steps can you take to align your life with this understanding?
Day 4: The Gift of Mercy Through Salvation
God's justice is perfect, and He extends mercy to those who trust in Him. While unbelievers receive justice, believers receive mercy, highlighting the profound grace of salvation. This distinction deepens our appreciation for God's fairness and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Understanding this helps us to live with gratitude and humility, knowing that we are recipients of God's unmerited favor. [19:20]
Titus 3:4-7 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
Reflection: In what ways can you express gratitude for the mercy and grace you have received? How can this gratitude be reflected in your interactions with others today?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Sovereignty Amidst Trials
In life's challenges, we can trust that God is working all things for our good. His sovereignty assures us that our suffering has purpose, and His ultimate good is our salvation. This perspective brings peace amidst trials, knowing that God is fair and just in all His ways. Romans 8:28 reminds us of this truth, encouraging us to trust in His plan even when we cannot see it. [21:30]
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places."
Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you actively trust in God's sovereignty and look for His purpose in this situation today?
Quotes
It boils down to two things, two fundamental issues. And I would encourage you to write these down. The first is this: one, we don't understand who God is. That's the first issue. We don't understand who God is. And secondly, we don't understand who we are. [00:02:56]
We think too highly of ourselves and not highly enough of God. Who here has heard of John Calvin before? Show of hands. This is a Ligonier audience. You've heard of John Calvin. Well, he wrote a book. And in that book he has this illustration that's really helpful to think through. [00:03:38]
He talks about a man who is walking down the sidewalk. Now, he didn't say "sidewalk." I'm paraphrasing Calvin here, but a man walking down the sidewalk, and he looks down, and as he looks down, he can see the cracks in the sidewalk. He can see the ants walking across. [00:04:23]
And he's very proud of himself. He has 20/20 vision. He can see so clearly, so confident in his eyesight. But it's the noon day, and he looks up and he looks up at the sun. And when he sees that bright sun, suddenly he is blinded. [00:04:39]
And that 20/20 vision isn't working as it once was. And when he looks down, he can't see the sidewalk. He can't see the cracks. He can't see the ants. He can perhaps see some splotches and blotches because he's been blinded by the brightness of the sun. [00:04:56]
And so, we might think highly of ourselves, but when we look to God and see Him in all His glory, we're reminded of who we truly are. And so, we need to recalibrate our thinking, or to use the language of Romans 12, we need to "renew our minds" so that we can think rightly about ourselves, and rightly about God. [00:05:15]
The assumption is that we are good, but we're not good. God is not fair because bad things happen to good people. But we're not good people. So, let's turn to Scripture, and see what the Bible says about the condition of man. [00:05:41]
Paul is making the case here that whether you were a Jew or someone in one of the foreign pagan nations, whether you're tall or short, no matter how much money you might have or not have in your bank account, or the color of your skin, all of humanity is fallen. We are all sinful. [00:07:34]
The universality of sin. Humankind, mankind is fallen. Just turn a couple of pages is over to Romans 8, Romans 8:7 and 8. Paul says: "For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. [00:07:59]
Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Not only are we fallen, but our current condition, in our current condition, we don't even have the ability to please God. We are at enmity with Him. We are against God. We're against His Word. We're against His law. [00:08:17]
We don't submit to His law, nor can we submit to His law. And then turn over a couple of books to Ephesians, Ephesians chapter 2. And Paul again gives us bad news describing our life outside of Christ. Ephesians 2, verses 1 and 3, through 3: "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked. [00:08:44]
The ultimate good thing that can happen to a bad person is salvation. The ultimate good thing is the gift of salvation as God grants eternal life to an unbeliever. So, that is the first objection that I'm addressing this morning. The second is this: God is not fair because God sends people to hell. [00:11:00]
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