Category: God’s justice

I Just Wanted to Get Away! #8

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

“And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10 KJV).

Will sinners “get away” from accountability before God?

Yea, in our world of unchecked injustice and corrupt human judicial systems, we can rest assured there is a court higher than man’s. The God of the Bible will not be silenced, intimidated, bribed, or assassinated. He keeps immaculate, meticulous records and untainted evidence for millennia. The strength of the Christian worldview is that there is an immutable (absolute) standard of right and wrong—the Holy Bible. Sinful man so dreads that answerability!

As it was written 2,000 years in Koine (Common) Greek, so we read in our English Bible: “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). The Lord Jesus Christ knew what it was to preach to sinners so desperately trying to “get away” from accountability before God. Doubtless, they worshipped their works-religion centered in their beautiful Jerusalem Temple. It was a dead theological system. There was no life of God in ancient Judaism… just sinful sons and daughters of Adam attempting to compensate for their shortcomings by praying, giving, fasting, and so on, as well as pointing sanctimonious fingers at “heathen dogs” in Gentile religions.

The score is settled forever in Revelation 20:11-15: “And I saw a great white throne, and him [Christ Himself!] that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Behold, the future day of which sinful man is terrified….

I Just Wanted to Get Away! #7

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

“And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10 KJV).

Will sinners “get away” from accountability before God?

Keep reading chapter 2 of Romans: “[11] For there is no respect of persons with God. [12] For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; [13] (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. [14] For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: [15] Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; ) [16] In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”

Whether a sinning Jew or a sinning Gentile, one falling short of His glory, God does not play favorites. Neither one will escape His justice that enforces His offended righteousness. In time past, the Law of Moses was given to the nation Israel, not the Gentiles. Lost Israelites will be judged according to that Law at the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15. The Gentiles had conscience, an internal system of standards and norms that gave them some sense of right and wrong. God will judge lost Gentiles according to this when they face Him at the Great White Throne Judgment.

In Romans 2:16, Paul announces how God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to his (that is, Paul’s) Gospel. No matter what they did or believed in religious or philosophical circles, it did not have the spiritual value of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as sufficient payment for their sins. Since they failed to believe the words of God to them (whenever they lived on Earth), God’s righteousness was not imputed to them by personal faith, which is what led to the doom and sentencing they now face in Revelation chapter 20….

Two Sons and Two Fathers

Saturday, April 12, 2025

“And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:” (Luke 23:18 KJV).

One son will be liberated to live, and the other Son will be sentenced to die!

At the time of Christ’s trial, Barabbas is a prisoner (Matthew 27:16). Barabbas is a murderer, a robber, and guilty of “insurrection,” or rebelling against the government (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:18,19; John 18:40).

It is Passover. Roman governor Pontius Pilate has a custom that, at the feast, he releases a prisoner, whomever the people desire (Matthew 27:15; Mark 15:6). “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified” (Matthew 27:20-22).

Israel’s chief priests, rulers, and common people all demand Christ’s crucifixion and Barabbas’ release, so Pilate gives the sentence (Luke 23:23-25). Guilty Barabbas is set free to live, and innocent Jesus Christ is condemned to be crucified. While Barabbas’ involvement in the matter seems insignificant upon first glance, God included it in His written Word because to provide us with an amazing illustration!

“Barabbas” means “son of the father.” Barabbas is a criminal, and he represents sinful, rebellious mankind who is worthy of death. He is bound by sin, and faces eternal death. Spiritually, sinful mankind is the son of Satan—man is of his father the devil (John 8:44). Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, God, “knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21), but took upon Himself our sins and was punished in our place.

Innocent Jesus Christ took the place of guilty Barabbas, which actually represented Christ taking the place of the whole world, suffering God’s wrath on our behalf! “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18). Thus, through Christ’s finished crosswork, we sinful sons of Adam (and Satan) can be freed from sin, and we can become the righteous sons of God.

The LORD Seeth Not? #3

Thursday, April 11, 2024

“Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth” (Ezekiel 8:12 KJV).

Is it valid to say, “The LORD seeth us not?” and “The LORD hath forsaken the earth?”

If a college professor who could read, write, and teach advanced English also lived in the United States (a country filled with English Bibles), why was he seeking “truth” by experimenting with countless foreign religions? Joining a cult is not accidental, but the fatal end of a series of poor choices. Eventually, we all realize we are heading down the wrong path, yet only a few of us ever humbly turn to Jesus Christ in faith (the correct path). We know we are fallible creatures—faulty minds, deceptive hearts, ailing bodies. How can we possibly worship beings like ourselves, depending on our own righteousness or theirs, blindly following cult leaders when even they also have weaknesses and problems?

In the context of today’s Scripture, the LORD has supernaturally transported the Prophet Ezekiel from Babylon to Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem (verses 3,4). Here in JEHOVAH God’s house, the Jews have installed and worshipped numerous idols (verses 5-16). Today’s Scripture: “Then said he [the LORD] unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth” (cf. Ezekiel 9:9). They assumed God was unaware of their sins, and they had escaped justice! Of course, judgment did eventually come!

“Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?” (Psalm 94:7-9). Let us rest assured, friends, the LORD will take vengeance—and no evildoers will escape His justice. May we come by faith in Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for our sins, before it is too late for us too!

The LORD Seeth Not? #2

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

“Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth” (Ezekiel 8:12 KJV).

Is it valid to say, “The LORD seeth us not?” and “The LORD hath forsaken the earth?”

Read Genesis 3:9-13. Human nature is to blame someone else. When Adam was asked if he committed wrongdoing, he accused God of giving him “the woman!” When Eve was questioned if she did wrong, she accused Satan! There was no personal accountability in Eden… and there is still none on Earth. To this day, excuses are either “God made me this way” or “The Devil made me do it!”

Firstly (mark it well!), the LORD God did not create robots or machines, people who automatically follow His will and do right. If He did, the cry would surely be heard, “God is such a tyrant for not letting me do or believe what I want!” Therefore, He gave us liberty to choose right or choose wrong. If we choose wrong, then we portray the situation as follows: “I did nothing wrong, so it is God’s fault for letting me face the consequences of my poor choices.”

Secondly (and we dare not forget this either!), JEHOVAH God did not leave Himself without witness (Acts 14:15-17; Acts 17:24-31; Romans 1:18-25; Romans 2:14,15). If we choose right, we realize Bibles are everywhere: we do have access to the Word of God and can know the will of God. We recognize the fact everyone has some sense of right and wrong (conscience). Even the most primitive cultures in the most remote regions have a code of conduct. The very existence of a creation demands a Creator—so if we question if God is there, we are only showing we have not been honest with the evidence. If we are grateful for the light we have, responding positively to the evidence we can identify, God will give us more light and we will see more evidence. If we are unthankful for what evidence we have, however, our vulnerability to a darkened heart is guaranteed (Romans 1:19-32).

We must ultimately bear responsibility for ourselves….

The LORD Seeth Not? #1

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

“Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth” (Ezekiel 8:12 KJV).

Is it valid to say, “The LORD seeth us not?” and “The LORD hath forsaken the earth?”

Decades ago, a college professor on a “spiritual quest” to find “peace, enlightenment, and harmony” joined a religious group. Shortly after linking with this crowd, he was promoted to be one of its teachers. A former member testified to its strange beliefs and practices, also recalling having seen that professor at one meeting. Little did the professor know the woman who founded this group had had husbands who died under mysterious circumstances. At least 10 members of her cult had perished in similar, violent situations (deemed “suicides” and “murders”). Most conveniently, they all had legally declared her the sole beneficiary of their estates!

One day, the college professor suddenly vanished while supposedly going on an international trip. His family never saw him again. When his house was searched, they located his handwritten last will and testament: he had named the cult leader as the sole executor of all his possessions. His body has never been found. Other than later indictment on fraud, the cult leader (who denied knowing the professor’s whereabouts) was never charged with anyone’s murder. Several years back, she died in old age… and took her secrets to the grave.

It is tempting for people to look at the above scenario (or many like it) and cry out for justice and closure. “Where is God?” “How could He let this happen?” In fact, someone might pose a question such as, “Is He on vacation?” Or, maybe, “Is He sleeping in His rocking chair on high?” Generally, the “Christian” church member has not been taught anything of real substance, so he or she is totally unequipped to answer these types of challenges. Actually, he or she might eventually wind up aligning with skeptics to echo these inquiries!

Saints, let us contemplate this as mature Bible students, going through much trouble in search for answers….

Two Sons and Two Fathers

Thursday, April 4, 2024

“And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:” (Luke 23:18 KJV).

One son will be liberated to live, and the other Son will be sentenced to die!

At the time of Christ’s trial, Barabbas is a prisoner (Matthew 27:16). Barabbas is a murderer, a robber, and guilty of “insurrection,” or rebelling against the government (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:18,19; John 18:40).

It is Passover. Roman governor Pontius Pilate has a custom that, at the feast, he releases a prisoner, whomever the people desire (Matthew 27:15; Mark 15:6). “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified” (Matthew 27:20-22).

Israel’s chief priests, rulers, and common people all demand Christ’s crucifixion and Barabbas’ release, so Pilate gives the sentence (Luke 23:23-25). Guilty Barabbas is set free to live, and innocent Jesus Christ is condemned to be crucified. While Barabbas’ involvement in the matter seems insignificant upon first glance, God included it in His written Word because to provide us with an amazing illustration!

“Barabbas” means “son of the father.” Barabbas is a criminal, and he represents sinful, rebellious mankind who is worthy of death. He is bound by sin, and faces eternal death. Spiritually, sinful mankind is the son of Satan—man is of his father the devil (John 8:44). Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, God, “knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21), but took upon Himself our sins and was punished in our place.

Innocent Jesus Christ took the place of guilty Barabbas, which actually represented Christ taking the place of the whole world, suffering God’s wrath on our behalf! “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18). Thus, through Christ’s finished crosswork, we sinful sons of Adam (and Satan) can be freed from sin, and we can become the righteous sons of God.

I Am Comfortable! #14

Monday, January 29, 2024

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3,4 KJV).

Why are they comfortable? Why are we comfortable about their choice?

Indeed, we should make every reasonable attempt to impart spiritual light to as many people as we can. Yet, dear friends, we must let them continue on their destructive path if they persist. “Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone” (Hosea 4:17). Once His longtime neighbors and acquaintances purposed to kill the Lord Jesus, He departed Nazareth (Luke 4:28-31)! When He was invited to leave, He went to the opposing shore of the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 8:33–9:1; Mark 5:15-21; Luke 8:35-40)! “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind…” (Matthew 15:14).

“A man that is an heretick [teacher or supporter of false doctrine, for purposes of dividing] after the first and second admonition [warning] reject [shun, refuse]; Knowing that he that is such is subverted [turned over, perverted], and sinneth, being condemned of himself” (Titus 3:10,11). The LORD thrice commanded the Prophet Jeremiah not to pray for his people (Jeremiah 7:16; Jeremiah 11:14; Jeremiah 14:11). Divine judgment against their habitual sin was on its way, and would not be avoided.

If they are comfortable—contented and free from fear—in being out of God’s will, we are comfortable with them. If they want to be lost people, we value their free will. If they wish to be ignorant Christians, we let them have their lack of knowledge. Just like King Saul’s appointment was no accident, no unbeliever goes to Hell accidentally and no Christian remains in spiritual kindergarten unwillingly. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17). In this world of technological advancements, the Scriptures are more accessible than ever. No one can legitimately complain, “I did not have a chance to know if there was a God or learn His will.” They are all without excuse.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

I Am Comfortable! #13

Sunday, January 28, 2024

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3,4 KJV).

Why are they comfortable? Why are we comfortable about their choice?

The LORD knew King Saul would ultimately be a disaster and disappointment, so He warned Israel of the hazards. Although the Jews expected Saul to conquer the oppressive Philistines (1 Samuel 8:20), the Philistines killed Saul in battle and left Israel without a king and still in captivity to the Philistines (see 1 Samuel 31:1-13)!

Likewise, Romans chapter 2 has warned those who lack perfect righteousness face a precarious future: “[5] But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; [6] Who will render to every man according to his deeds:…. [8] But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, [9] Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;….”

When people refuse to acknowledge their sin problem, they are telling God they are just as good as Jesus Christ is, that they can replace His life with their own efforts. If they want to depend on their self-righteousness (as in Romans 10:1-3), He will let them do so—but their fate will be indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish. His justice demands His righteousness be enforced, so those without His righteousness must suffer the punishment their own “goodness” and efforts produce.

Second Thessalonians chapter 1: “[7] And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, [8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: [9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;….”

It is therefore not (!) God’s (!) fault (!) when people choose to go to Hell….

Two Sons and Two Fathers

Thursday, April 13, 2023

“And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:” (Luke 23:18 KJV).

One son will be liberated to live, and the other Son will be sentenced to die!

At the time of Christ’s trial, Barabbas is a prisoner (Matthew 27:16). Barabbas is a murderer, a robber, and guilty of “insurrection,” or rebelling against the government (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:18,19; John 18:40).

It is Passover. Roman governor Pontius Pilate has a custom that, at the feast, he releases a prisoner, whomever the people desire (Matthew 27:15; Mark 15:6). “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified” (Matthew 27:20-22).

Israel’s chief priests, rulers, and common people all demand Christ’s crucifixion and Barabbas’ release, so Pilate gives the sentence (Luke 23:23-25). Guilty Barabbas is set free to live, and innocent Jesus Christ is condemned to be crucified. While Barabbas’ involvement in the matter seems insignificant upon first glance, God included it in His written Word because to provide us with an amazing illustration!

“Barabbas” means “son of the father.” Barabbas is a criminal, and he represents sinful, rebellious mankind who is worthy of death. He is bound by sin, and faces eternal death. Spiritually, sinful mankind is the son of Satan—man is of his father the devil (John 8:44). Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, God, “knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21), but took upon Himself our sins and was punished in our place.

Innocent Jesus Christ took the place of guilty Barabbas, which actually represented Christ taking the place of the whole world, suffering God’s wrath on our behalf! “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18). Thus, through Christ’s finished crosswork, we sinful sons of Adam (and Satan) can be freed from sin, and we can become the righteous sons of God.