GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE; NOT INJUSTICE; YOU "WILL" REAP WHAT YOU SOW

GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE:

NOT INJUSTICE

“...This is what the Lord says: ...they sell the righteous for money, And the needy for a pair of sandals. These who trample the head of the helpless to the dust of the earth Also divert the way of the humble; And a man and his father resort to the same girl So as to profane My holy name. And on garments seized as pledges they stretch out beside every altar, And in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined...” (Amos 2:6-8 NASB).

“...But they do not know how to do what is right,” declares the Lord, “these who store up violence and devastation in their citadels...” (Amos 3:10 NASB).

                                                   *

God is a God of JUSTICE, “NOT” injustice, which has become the THEME, in the world, and even among those who CLAIM to be God’s “own” people. MANY have turned a blind eye, deaf ear, and a hard heart toward the suffering of others. While religious activities such as attending church, going to bible study, prayer, talking the talk, fellowshipping, and tithing are very important rituals, they don’t MEET the physical and spiritual needs, of the needy, which express and demonstrate God’s LOVE and JUSTICE.  “...they do not know how to do what is right,” declares the Lord...” (Amos 3:10 NASB).

God’s LOVE and JUSTICE were HIGHLIGHTED in Jesus’ ministry, of SERVICE, upon earth. Showing LOVE and serving JUSTICE (doing what’s right) was NOT to be ignored or neglected! “...For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me...” (Matthew 25:35-36 NIV).  “...Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone...” (Luke 11:42 NIV).

“…God anointed  Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost (His indwelling SPIRIT) and WITH POWER (His indwelling working POWER). [And Jesus]...went about doing good, and healing all (equally and equitably) that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD (the indwelling Holy Spirit) WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“...[Jesus also] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV). “.. [Jesus was also a) Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB). “...[Jesus]... revealed God to [the world]…” (John 1:18 NLT). “… [Jesus actually] ...reveal[ed]... [God’s]... thoughts to mankind…” (Amos 4:13 NLT).

“…[Jesus also] ...preach[ed] ...the gospel to the poor; he ...heal[ed] the brokenhearted, ..preach[ed] deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, ...[he]...set at liberty them that [were]... bruised, [he]...preach[ed]... the acceptable year of the Lord (equally and equitably TO ALL)…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

“...the crowds learned about [the GOOD NEWS]... and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).

“… God  … work[ed through] … [Jesus] … what is pleasing to him [JUSTICE]…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWEL[T] within JESUS]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

In addition and MOST important, “…The Son of man (Jesus) came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST...[and spiritually DEAD]…” (Luke 19:10 KJV).\

Everyone, born into the world, from EVERY nation, is born without the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…All have sinned (are born with a sinner nature only) and fallen short of the glory of God (born without the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23). “….[you were]... born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

Everyone who is born with ONLY a sinner nature, will eventually become a SLAVE to sin, and they cannot, on their own, be restored to WHOLENESS or REUNITED with God, the Holy Spirit, without an act of HIS LOVING MERCY. “….[everyone, upon earth, was].... born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).  

“...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin[ner nature]…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…the wages (fair payment) of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…For all have sinned (all have this “sinner” nature)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).  Thus, “…all have ... come short of the glory of God (all are born WITHOUT the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).

“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN?…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“…Thank God [who is a God of JUSTICE!] The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“… [In an act of LOVING MERCY, God, the Holy Spirit sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

“…confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved...” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “...God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many (the less fortunate, vulnerable, helpless, spiritually poor, lost, sin-sick souls, those oppressed by the devil, etc.,) through ... Jesus Christ....” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he...[bore]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

EVERY lost and spiritually dead SOUL in the world, from EVERY nation, must COME to God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus. There are NO exceptions!

“…Jesus Christ maketh thee (mankind) whole …” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “...God’s free gift leads to our (mankind) being made right with God, even though [ALL of THEM are]... guilty of many sins ... [through the sinner nature]. ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

WHY the FREE GIFT?  MANKIND could NEVER afford to PAY their DEBT of SIN in a million lifetimes. God is a GOD of JUSTICE, who is COMPASSIONATE, LOVING, MERCIFUL and JUST in “ALL” his ways. “... RICH IN MERCY… [because of]... his great love…had quickened [mankind] together with Christ (by grace and mercy are ye saved)…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). “…Who is a [compassionate]...God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever …” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “...HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY [instead of punishment, judgement, or wrath]…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

 “…everything he does is right and all his ways are just...” (Daniel 4 NIV).  “...all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“…God [who is just]... declared an end to sin’s control over [mankind]... by giving his Son as a sacrifice for [their]... sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for [them], who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit....” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“…In this world we (God’s people) are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus]... hath shewed thee, O man (woman of God), what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?...” (Micah 6:8 KJV).

The book of AMOS reminds God’s people that without HEARTFELT SERVICE to others, your religion is just a HOLLOW, EMPTY ritualistic activity, just like the scribes and Pharisees.“...Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone...” (Luke 11:42 NIV).

It is NOT that God’s people need to choose religious activities over service, but are to REMEMBER they are CALLED to do both. As a follower of Christ, God’s people are not invited INTO a religion, but into a “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, and Christlike relationships with others.

Meeting the NEEDS of others is an expression and demonstration of God’s love, compassion, mercy, grace, and JUST ways. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…everything he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV).  “...He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

 The prophet AMOS sought to hold God’s people accountable for their lackadaisical efforts to demonstrate God’s LOVE and JUSTICE to the needy, the oppressed, the poor, the helpless and the vulnerable. Instead they were mistreating others by choosing to focus on their OWN personal successes and strengthening their financial and economical positions   “... judgment and justice will be upheld…”  (Job 36:16-21 NLT).

AMOS’ prophetic message REBUKED their lack of concern and NOT taking advantage of the less fortunate, the marginalized and the disenfranchised. He reminded them they’d forgotten their love for God and his commandment to love others. “...Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments...” (Matthew 22:36-40 NLT).  

AMOS’ message was: “...This is what the Lord says: ...they sell the righteous for money, And the needy for a pair of sandals. These who trample the head of the helpless to the dust of the earth Also divert the way of the humble; And a man and his father resort to the same girl So as to profane My holy name. And on garments seized as pledges they stretch out beside every altar, And in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined...” (Amos 2:6-8 NASB).

“...But they do not know how to do what is right,” declares the Lord, “these who store up violence and devastation in their citadels...” (Amos 3:10 NASB).

“...Hear this word, you cows of Bashan who are on the mountain of Samaria,
Who exploit the poor, who oppress the needy, And say to their husbands, “Bring now, that we may drink!...” (Amos 4:1 NASB).

“...Therefore because you impose heavy rent on the poor And take a tribute of grain from them, Though you have built houses of cut stone, Yet you will not live in them; You have planted beautiful vineyards, yet you will not drink their wine. For I know your offenses are many and your sins are great, You who are hostile to the righteous and accept bribes, And turn away the poor from justice at the gate...” (Amos 5:11:12 NASB).

“...Hear this, you who trample the needy, to put an end to the humble of the land, saying, “When will the new moon be over, So that we may sell grain; And the Sabbath, so that we may open the wheat market, To make the ephah smaller and the shekel bigger, And to cheat with dishonest scales, So as to buy the helpless for money, And the needy for a pair of sandals, And that we may sell the refuse of the wheat?...” (Amos 8:4-6 NASB).

However, Amos’ message was IGNORED. “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “ …[God’s people said:]... we will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…[God said:].... my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. ….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT).

“…They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “...[THEY]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).

“…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

God’s people were, continually, practicing a multiplicity of SINS. God SAW it ALL. God is a God of JUSTICE he SEES everything and he SEES when his people DO NOT “ACT” JUSTLY or with LOVE or MERCY. “…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes…” (Hebrews 4:13 NLT). “...You are a God who sees me...” (Genesis 16:13 NASB). “…He hath shewed thee, O man (woman of God), what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV). “…O people (of God), the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right (hate injustice), to love mercy (show compassion), and to walk humbly (in obedient servitude) with your God…” (Micah 6:8 NLT).

God’s people LOOKED like they were doing well OUTWARDLY, but God SAW the moral depravity rottening their hearts. “...Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness… ” (Matthew 23:27 KJV). “...God SEES NOT as man (woman) sees, for man (woman) looks at the outward appearance …”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

God commandment his people on HOW to LIVE HOLY and RIGHTEOUS in the WORLD, but they were NOT doing it.  “…He hath shewed thee, O man (woman), what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV).

Amos reminded them of God, the Holy Spirit’s, disapproval of the hypocrite. “...I can’t stand your religious meetings. I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want?  I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want...” (Amos 5:21-24 MSG). “...Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!… ” (Matthew 23:27 KJV).

What is a “hypocrite?” A hypocrite is someone who PRETENDS to be something they KNOW they are NOT! The term comes from an old Latin word that means “play-acting.” Jesus pointed out hypocrites all the time.  “… When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward…” (Matthew 6:16 KJV).

The Scribes and Pharisees were hypocrites. They play-acted their roles by pretending to be public examples of religious holiness, but Jesus KNEW their UNRIGHTEOUS hearts were NOT right. “…[The] ...Lord (Jesus, God’s TRUTH), which knowest the hearts of all men (women)…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). “… He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked…” (Psalm 11:4-5 NLT). “…[if]...thy heart is not right in the sight of God [he will know]…” (Acts 8:21 KJV). “…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable…” (Hebrews 4:13 NLT).

So, “…Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! Ye fools and blind ...Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess ...hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous...Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?...” (Matthew 23:13-33 KJV).

Jesus frequently talked about religious pretenders and misguided zealots play-acting the role of “disciple” and called them hypocrites. “…And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you…” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT).

Hypocrisy is NOT becoming of a REDEEMED child of God. “…Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and HYPOCRISIES, and envies, and all evil speakings..” (1 PETER 2:1 KJV). “… So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, HYPOCRISY, jealousy, and all unkind speech…” (1 PETER 2:1 NLT).

The prophet, Amos, also prophesized that God’s people had become corrupt, immoral, idolatrous, greedy and indulgent in extravagant, worldly lifestyles, self-righteous, and materialistic concerns. Injustice had permeated their HEARTS and they no longer knew how to DO RIGHT (JUSTICE). “...But they do not know how to do what is right,” declares the Lord, “...these who store up violence and devastation in their citadels...” (Amos 3:10 NASB). “... Who exploit the poor, who oppress the needy...” (Amos 4:1 NASB)....you impose heavy rent on the poor And take a tribute of grain from them ...I know your offenses are many and your sins are great, You who are hostile to the righteous and accept bribes, And turn away the poor from justice at the gate...” (Amos 5:11:12 NASB). “...you who trample the needy... cheat with dishonest scales...” (Amos 8:4-6 NASB).

 “...the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will be proved holy by his righteous acts...” (Isaiah 5:16 NIV).

God’s JUSTICE, through his acts of MERCY, included treating “all” people with FAIRNESS, PROTECTING the vulnerable, helping the helpless, showing CARE or CONCERN for all people equally,  taking a stand against “ALL” INJUSTICES, and demonstrating RIGHTEOUS behavior that expressed his genuine kindness, grace, love, and compassion. “...But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out. The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror...” (Psalm 10:14-18 NIV). “...he (God, the Holy Spirit) loves justice...” (Psalms 11:7 NIV).

“...He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous...” (Psalm 146:6-8 NIV).

“...The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror...” (Psalm 10:14-18 NIV).

 “...Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly...” (Leviticus 19:15 NIV). “...He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict.  Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery...” (2 Chronicles 19:5-7 NIV). “...he (God, the Holy Spirit) loves justice...” (Psalms 11:7 NIV). “...the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice...” (Isaiah 5:16 NIV). “... the holy God will be proved holy by his righteous acts...” (Isaiah 5:16 NIV).

God’s word also warns: “...Don’t pass on malicious gossip. Don’t link up with a wicked person and give corrupt testimony. Don’t go along with the crowd in doing evil and don’t mess up your testimony in a case just to please the crowd. And just because someone is poor, don’t show favoritism in a dispute...” (Exodus 23:1-3 MSG). King David prayed for King Soloman: “...Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice...” (Psalm 72:1-2 NIV).

God is a God of JUSTICE and he encourages his people to DO RIGHT and ACT JUSTLY while upon earth too. “...Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow...” (Isaiah 1:17 NIV).

Job was an example of one who EXACTED God’s JUSTICE.
“...I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban. I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger...” (Job 29:14-16 NIV).

A TRUE disciple, follower of God, citizen of Heaven, NEW CREATION in Christ, or redeemed child of God WORSHIP God by extending God, the Holy Spirit’s, LOVING JUSTICE to all!

God’s JUSTICE will STAND against INJUSTICE. “...I (God, the Holy Spirit) know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts....” (Amos 5:12 NIV). “...People hate this kind of talk. Raw truth is never popular. But here it is, bluntly spoken: Because you run roughshod over the poor and take the bread right out of their mouths, You’re never going to move into the luxury homes you have built. You’re never going to drink wine from the expensive vineyards you’ve planted. I know precisely the extent of your violations, the enormity of your sins. Appalling! You bully right-living people, taking bribes right and left and kicking the poor when they’re down...” (Amos 5:10-12 MSG).

“…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes…” (Hebrews 4:13 NLT). “...You are a God who sees me...” (Genesis 16:13 NASB).

“...This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other...” (Zechariah 7:9-10 NIV).

The prophet, Amos, WARNED the NORTHERN Israelites, they would SOON face God’s JUDGEMENT as a consequence of their unrepentant, and wicked behaviors. “...Again and again [God] rescued his people, but they [continually]... chose to rebel against him…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT). They were outwardly RELIGIOUS, but MORALLY CORRUPT and God’s JUSTICE was knocking at the door, which he announced through AMOS.

“… we are each responsible for our own conduct …Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature…” (Galatians 6:5-8 NLT).

This is what the God of JUSTICE wanted from his people: “...But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!....” (Amos 5:24 NIV). “...Do you know what I want?  I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want...” (Amos 5:21-24 MSG). “...Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!… ” (Matthew 23:27 KJV).

Godly justice is the active expression and demonstration of true godliness. AMOS, both a spokesman and advocate of God’s LOVE, GRACE, MERCY, FORGIVENESS, and JUSTICE spoke UP for doing RIGHT in the sight of God, the Holy Spirit.

Amos DID NOT cut corners when he prophesized that continual disobedience, unfaithfulness, and sinful practices was ONLY “inciting” and “provoking” God’s JUSTICE.

God LOVES his people and he personally CHOOSE each one of them to SHOW his presence, goodnesses, and working power to, but they REBELLED against over and over again BREAKING covenant with HIM. “…If you love me, you will (CHOOSE TO.) keep my commandments…” (John 14:15). However, “…My people would not listen to me. They kept (CHOOSING TO DO) ...whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to (CHOOSE TO) live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

“…Thus saith the Lord; ‘Cursed be the MAN (or woman) ... whose HEART (WILLFULLY) departeth from the Lord…” (Jeremiah 17:5 KJV) “…They (MY PEOPLE) broke [THEIR] ... covenant [WITH ME BY CHOICE], though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 31:32 NASB).

“…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him ....Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

God REMAINED faithful to his people, but they willing CHOOSE to abandoned him. “…If [God’s people] are unfaithful [to the covenant relationship], he [God, the Holy Spirit]... remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).   “...And now, O our God, what can we say after all of this? For ONCE AGAIN we have ABANDONED your commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT).

Their WORSHIP of God had BECOME a mere performance. “…He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me...” (Mark 7:6 KJV).

By following religious rituals through mere performance, God’s people considered they’d done their spiritual duties. However, without a heartfelt commitment of genuine LOVE for God, the Holy Spirit, they had NO  “real” motivation for truly “keeping his commandments.”  “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). 

“… we are each responsible for our own conduct …Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit…” (Galatians 6:5-8 NLT).

Amos condemns God’s people’s conduct of getting RICH at the expense of the less fortunate.  “...Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow....” (Proverbs 13:11 NIV). “...One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich---both come to poverty...” (Proverbs 22:16 NIV). “...Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court...” (Proverbs 22:2 NIV). “...Good people obtain favor from the LORD, but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes...” (Proverbs 12:2 NIV). “...A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold...” (Proverbs 22:1 NIV). “...The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy...” (Provers 12:22 NIV). “...Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor...” (Proverbs 28:8 NIV). “...Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you...” (James 5:4-6 NIV). “...The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright...” (Proverbs 29:27 NIV). “...and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life...” (1 Thessalonians 4:6-7 NIV). “...Differing weights and measures— the LORD detests them both...” (Proverbs 20:10 NIV). “...A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous...” (Proverbs 13:22 NIV).

Amos told them God’s message: “...I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses adorned with ivory will be destroyed and the mansions will be demolished,” declares the Lord...” (Amos 3:15 NIV).

God, had DONE everything to get their attention so they would REPENT, but they continued to do what they wanted. “...I gave you empty stomachs in every city and lack of bread in every town, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord.  “I also withheld rain from you when the harvest was still three months away. I sent rain on one town, but withheld it from another. One field had rain; another had none and dried up. People staggered from town to town for water but did not get enough to drink, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord. “Many times I struck your gardens and vineyards, destroying them with blight and mildew. Locusts devoured your fig and olive trees, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord. “I sent plagues among you as I did to Egypt. I killed your young men with the sword, along with your captured horses. I filled your nostrils with the stench of your camps, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord. “I overthrew some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
You were like a burning stick snatched from the fire, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord...” (Amos 4:6-11 NIV).

However, “…My people would not listen to me. They kept (CHOOSING TO DO) ...whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to (CHOOSE TO) live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

 “…They (MY PEOPLE) broke [THEIR] ... covenant [WITH ME BY CHOICE], though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 31:32 NASB).

“…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him ....Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT). “...And now, O our God, what can we say after all of this? For ONCE AGAIN we have ABANDONED your commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT).

“...I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

"…REPENT  AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “…The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes ...Your servant is warned. …”(Psalm 19:7-11 NASB).

“...Again and again [God] rescued them, but they [continually]... chose to rebel against him... [until]... they were finally destroyed by their sin…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

God DOESN’T want his PEOPLE destroyed that’s WHY he warns them and provides an ATONEMENT for them. He is a MERCIFUL God. “…The Lord is ...of great mercy…” (Number 14:18 KJV). “…The Lord God, [IS] merciful …” (Exodus 34:6 KJV). “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

“…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV). The prophet Amos said:  “...This is what the Lord says to Israel: “Seek me and live; do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will be reduced to nothing.” Seek the Lord and live, or he will sweep through the tribes of Joseph like a fire; it will devour them, and Bethel will have no one to quench it...” (Amos 5:4-6 NIV).

“...Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph. Therefore this is what the Lord, the Lord God Almighty, says: There will be wailing in all the streets and cries of anguish in every public square. The farmers will be summoned to weep and the mourners to wail...” (Amos 5:15-16 NIV).

However, “…My people would not listen to me. They kept (CHOOSING TO DO) ...whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to (CHOOSE TO) live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

“...until]... they were finally destroyed by their sin…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, is a God of JUSTICE and is always willing to show HIS MERCY to those who choose to repent. God is FAITHFUL to the righteous and will NEVER abandon them! “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “… [God has]... loved [HIS RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).   “…Showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments…” (Exodus 20:6 NIV).

“... Everyone  (no exceptions) who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ...  the one who practices sin is of the devil ...  No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him (her); and he (she) cannot sin, because he (she) is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone (no exceptions) who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

“… he remains ...(STAYS) ... faithful (to the righteous) …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…he cannot deny who he is (so there are “no” exceptions)…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).“…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, who is a God of JUSTICE demonstrates through biblical history, his love for his people. He ALWAYS has a PLAN of REDEMPTION for them IF they CHOOSE to RECEIVE it! “…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him ....Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

God is NOT ONLY the God of the Israelites, but his CHOSEN people come from EVERY NATION. “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son...” (John 3:16 KJV).

 GOD SAID TO ABRAHAM “… I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed…” (Genesis 12:3 KJV).

AND TO the CONVERTED “in” CHRIST, God SAYS: “…Christ hath redeemed us ….That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith…” (Galatians 3:13-14 KJV).

.“……There is NEITHER Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV).

“…Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.  In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no RESPECTER OF PERSONS: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV).

“...IN LOVE.... [God, the Holy Spirit]... predestined [the redeemed]... to ADOPTION AS SONS (daughters) through Jesus Christ to Himself ACCORDING TO THE KIND INTENTION OF HIS WILL …” (Ephesians 1 NLT). “...He predestined [the redeemed]... to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will...” (Ephesians 1:5 NASB).

 “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  “...I give them eternal life...” (John 10:28 NLT).  “...this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ (his WORD), whom you have sent... (John 17:3). “…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH (through dependence upon God’s WORD); and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

“… AS MANY as received him…” (John 1:12 KJV). “…receive the word implanted….” (James 1:21 NASB).  “...But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name...” (John 1:12).

“... thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live  in the light ...” (Colossians 1:12 NLT). “…  [Everyone who belongs, to him through Jesus, however, and] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children… because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

“…But he(she) that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT….” (1 Corinthians 6:17). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).  “...[God’s people]...ARE ALL ONE (together) IN CHRIST JESUS…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV). Jesus said: “...I and my Father are one (forever)..." (John 10:30 KJV). “…that they also may be [one] in Us (forever)…” (John 17:21-23 NASB).

“… THEY BELONG TO [god, the holy, through]... CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).“…Because you belong to him, …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “... [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit’s is FAITHFUL to his righteous people and KEEPS every promise to them. However, his people, through Jesus Christ, choose to REMEMBER their “covenant unity” commitment and devoted obligations to HIM too.

God’s righteous people CHOOSE to. “….WORK OUT [their]… own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV).  “…[Choosing to put]… aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).

It is actively “…[choosing to] …throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life…” (Ephesians 4:22 NIV).

“…You must [also choose to]…put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor…” (Ephesians 4:25 NLT).

It is “….[choosing to]…let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice…” (Ephesians 4:31 KJV).

“….Ye also [choose to]…put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth….” (Colossians 3:8  KJV).

“…Wherefore [choose to lay] … aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings…” (1 Peter 2:1 KJV).

The redeemed soul is EMPOWERED with the indwelling Holy Spirit, to “work out their own salvation” through Jesus Christ. “… the God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…[They]... can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). .“…it is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) which worketh in [them]… both to will and to do...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

“… [They]… are [also]...given...exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be PARTAKERS of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance PATIENCE; and to PATIENCE godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ…GIVE DILIGENCE (attention) TO MAKE YOUR CALLING AND “ELECTION” SURE; FOR IF YOU (choose to) “DO” THESE THINGS, YE SHALL NEVER FALL...” (2 Peter 1: 4-9 KJV).

“...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” (choose to) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV).

God is a God of JUSTICE. He SEES the wickedness of ALL his creations, righteous or unrighteous and they will not go unpunished. “...whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap. ..” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB). “...For the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).  “...You have plowed wickedness, you have harvested injustice...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB). “...they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own schemes...” (Proverbs 1:31 NASB). “...One who sows injustice will reap disaster...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB).

“…In this world [God’s people]... are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “… Jesus of Nazareth ...went around ... doing good and healing all (INJUSTICES)...because …God [the indwelling holy spirit]… was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

Thus, “…Ye shall know [the God of JUSTICE’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…He (she) who ABIDES in Me and I in him (her), he(she) bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” (his “righteous” people) bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My (God, the Holy Spirit, who is JUST) disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).