Image

A Few Words About Justice

Against the backdrop of various media reports concerning the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, and the subsequent manifold calls that his alleged killers be brought to justice, as a black Christian who has been following this developing story in the background, I felt compelled to offer the following unsolicited commentary. I am of the opinion that the church must recover a biblical understanding of both justice and injustice so that each is discerned objectively—as God’s Word defines those terms—by God’s people through the universal lens of the Imago Dei (Image of God) so that, consequently, any indignation we may feel over a perceived injustice is borne from a purely righteous……

Against the backdrop of various media reports concerning the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, and the subsequent manifold calls that his alleged killers be brought to justice, as a black Christian who has been following this developing story in the background, I felt compelled to offer the following unsolicited commentary.

I am of the opinion that the church must recover a biblical understanding of both justice and injustice so that each is discerned objectively—as God’s Word defines those terms—by God’s people through the universal lens of the Imago Dei (Image of God) so that, consequently, any indignation we may feel over a perceived injustice is borne from a purely righteous desire that God—not we—will be vindicated for the sinful violence carried out against those who, like you and I, have been created in His image (Genesis 1:275:2Psalm 10:1882:3).

I am speaking specifically with regard to perceived injustices committed not against ourselves, but against others.

You can read more of Darrell B. Harrison’s work by visiting his website.

Yes, there are passages of Scripture where servants of God petitioned Him for personal vindication (e.g. Psalm 7:826:143:1). But personal exculpation is not what I’m talking about here. Nevertheless, the Christian who would entreat God for personal redress must first see to it that his or her own life is free from any unrepented sin. For as the psalmist declares in Psalm 66:18, “If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear.”

Injustice cannot be understood objectively—and by “objectively” I mean biblically—apart from an equally objective understanding of what justice is.

Mercy sweetens all God’s other attributes. God’s holiness without mercy, and his justice without mercy were terrible. When the water was bitter, and Israel could not drink, Moses cast a tree into the waters, and then they were made sweet. How bitter and dreadful were the other attributes of God, did not mercy sweeten them! Mercy sets God’s power on work to help us; it makes his justice become our friend; it shall avenge our quarrels.” Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity

When, as Christians, you and I deviate from God’s equitable and universal standard of what ‘justice’ and ‘injustice’ are, we risk becoming partakers in the sin of partiality (see Proverbs 24:23) because, as fallen and fallible human beings, we invariably will end up drawing our own subjective conclusions about certain situations, having framed those conclusions through the prism of our own sinfully deceptive emotions and presuppositions (see Proverbs 18:1328:26).

For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2

The justice God demands of us is rooted in His nature, not ours (see Deuteronomy 32:41). God’s desire that you and I treat one another justly is grounded in the universal reality that each of us bears the image of God (imago Deo), not the image of man (imago homo).

Indeed, Scripture clearly teaches that the people of God are to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves (see Proverbs 31:8-9). But the impetus to obey that command must be grounded in nothing other than that the mute, the unfortunate, the afflicted, and the needy all are image-bearers of God, not that they have some particular affinity with us or us with them (e.g. ethnicity, socio-economic station).

Justice may at times leave the courts of man, but it abides upon the tribunal of God.” Charles Haddon Spurgeon

The concept of justice has an origin and that origin is God, not man. It is crucial that God’s people understand that. God is altogether pure, holy, and righteous by nature. Conversely, you and I are not (see Ecclesiastes 7:20Romans 3:23).

As followers of Jesus Christ, if our concern for justice is filtered through a lens of partiality of any kind we are committing sin (see James 2:9).

God is no respecter of persons (see Romans 2:11), and as bearers of His image neither should we (see Leviticus 19:15).

God is sovereign over all that occurs in His world—the evil and the good (see Proverbs 15:3)—and because God is innately holy, it is His own character that will see to it that His righteous and perfect justice prevails—either in this life or the next (see 1 Timothy 5:24).

For the love of Christ controls us.” 2 Corinthians 5:14

Special Request:

For nearly eight years, we've highlighted issues ignored by mainstream media and resisted globalist ideologies eroding Western civilization. We've done this joyfully, without paywalls, despite personal costs to our team. Your support has kept us going, but operating costs exceed donations, forcing us to use ads. We’d love to ditch them, so we’re asking for your help. If you value our work, please consider supporting us via Stripe or PayPal. Every bit helps us keep fighting for our kids’ future. Thank you!

What's New?

Use the blue arrows at the bottom to scroll through the latest.
20 Reasons to Believe the Resurrection

20 Reasons to Believe the Resurrection

"The evidence surrounding the resurrection demonstrates that it is not a mere legend but an event grounded in real history."
By
by Staff WriterApr 20, 2025
The Resurrection

The Resurrection

"The resurrection is Christianity. It is the core of our faith. Hence, Resurrection Sunday."
By
by Matthew LittlefieldApr 20, 2025
Is Taxation Theft or the Price We Pay for Civilization?

Is Taxation Theft or the Price We Pay for Civilization?

"Surely, there should be a seriously low cap on how much money a government can legally take from the public before being forced to concede they’re simply not able to do the job they’ve been tasked with."
By
by Ben DavisApr 19, 2025
White House Launches New Website Exposing COVID Response: Fauci, Lockdowns, Mandates, and Lab Leak Theory

White House Launches New Website Exposing COVID Response: Fauci, Lockdowns, Mandates, and Lab Leak Theory

“Public health officials often mislead the American people through conflicting messaging, knee-jerk reactions, and a lack of transparency," the White House has said.
By
by Staff WriterApr 19, 2025
‘Blessed Ramadan’ and ‘Happy Easter from the Dogs’? PM Accused of Snubbing Christian Australians

‘Blessed Ramadan’ and ‘Happy Easter from the Dogs’? PM Accused of Snubbing Christian Australians

"Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing backlash after he posted a social media message wishing Australians a 'Happy Easter weekend from Toto and Toby,' his dogs."
By
by Staff WriterApr 18, 2025
The Hope of Israel

The Hope of Israel

"Jesus was murdered by corrupt men so that you and I could be saved, so that the hope of Israel could be fulfilled."
By
by Matthew LittlefieldApr 18, 2025
UK Supreme Court Affirms Sex Is Assigned by Biology, Not Bigotry

UK Supreme Court Affirms Sex Is Assigned by Biology, Not Bigotry

"Despite the court ruling in favour of protecting female-only spaces, the Supreme Court still backs the legal 'right' for a man to identify as a woman, and punish anyone who doesn’t refer to him as one."
By
by Rod LampardApr 17, 2025
Kidnapped Pastor Rescued After Deadly Shootout

Kidnapped Pastor Rescued After Deadly Shootout

"Sullivan was delivering a sermon when six armed men entered the building and took him captive in front of his wife and children."
By
by Staff WriterApr 17, 2025

Image

Support

If you value our work and would like to support us, you can do so by visiting our support page. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Visit our search page.

Copyright © 2025, Caldron Pool

Permissions

Everything published at Caldron Pool is protected by copyright and cannot be used and/or duplicated without prior written permission. Links and excerpts with full attribution are permitted. Published articles represent the opinions of the author and may not reflect the views of all contributors at Caldron Pool.

Caldron Pool does not condone the use of violence, threats, or intimidation for political or religious purposes. We strongly advocate for peaceful, respectful, and free communication and open debate without fear of reprisal or punishment.