(LORD’S DAY 4)
Devotion: Understanding God’s Justice and Mercy
Scripture Reading: Romans 3:23-26
Heidelberg Catechism Questions:
Q9: Does God do injustice to man by requiring in His law what man cannot perform? Answer : No, God created man capable of performing it, but man, by the instigation of the devil and his own willful disobedience, deprived himself and all his descendants of those divine gifts.
Q10: Will God allow such disobedience and rebellion to go unpunished? Answer: Certainly not. He is terribly displeased with our original as well as actual sins, and will punish them in His just judgment in time and eternity, as He has declared: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”
Q11: But isn’t God also merciful? Answer : God is indeed merciful, but He is also just. His justice requires that sin, committed against His supreme majesty, be punished with the supreme penalty—eternal punishment of body and soul.
Reflection:
Imagine you borrowed your friend’s favorite book and accidentally spilled coffee all over it. You feel terrible and apologize, but your friend is understandably upset. They might forgive you, but the book is still ruined, and someone has to pay for it.
This is a bit like our relationship with God. We were created good and capable of following His laws, but through our own choices and the influence of sin, we fell short. God’s justice means He cannot simply overlook our sins—they must be addressed. However, God’s mercy means He provided a way for us to be forgiven through Jesus Christ.
Key Points:
- God’s Justice: God is fair and just. He cannot ignore sin because it goes against His holy nature.
- Our Responsibility: We are responsible for our sins and cannot meet God’s standards on our own.
- God’s Mercy: Despite our failures, God’s love and mercy shine through. He sent Jesus to take the punishment we deserve, offering us forgiveness and a restored relationship with Him.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for Your justice and mercy. Help us to understand the seriousness of our sins and the incredible gift of Your forgiveness through Jesus. Guide us to live in a way that honors You. Amen.
Feel free to share this devotion with your friends or youth group! How does this perspective on God’s justice and mercy resonate with you?