GOD SAID "VENGEANCE" IS MINE; NOT REVENGE.

 

  GOD IS A GOD OF HOLY JUSTICE: REAPING WHAT YOU SOW?

“...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance (making things JUST) belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (MAKE IT FAIR AND RIGHT
)," saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19 ASV).

*

 “…his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV). God’s JUSTICE is “NOT” mankind’s JUSTICE, but his JUST ways, which are righteous, are FAR and ABOVE those of mankind. “…his ways [are often]… past finding out…” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).  “… [God’s] ... thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways ... [his] … ways ... as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are … [his] … ways higher than you[r] …. ways and … [his] … thoughts than your thoughts…” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV).

God’s WAYS are not the WAYS of mankind. Therefore his JUSTICE cannot be SEEM or UNDERSTOOD as MERE revenge. God’s JUSTICE is about DOING the right thing or restoring things BACK to righteous ORDER. “... for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace...” (1 Corinthians 14:33 NASB).

God’s spiritual system is one of JUSTICE, which stands AGAINST unrighteous and ungodliness by RESTORING “ALL” things back to righteous and godliness through correction or fair judgement. “...God doesn’t stir us up into confusion; he brings us into harmony...” (1 Corinthians 14:33 MSG). “... I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth...” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT).

God’s JUSTICE requires EVERY person to PAY their DEBT for ALL WRONGS or SINS committed against HIM and others.  “…SIN IS the transgression of the law (violation of God’s instruction)….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…The wages of sin is death (spiritual death and eternal SEPARATION from God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

God’s JUSTICE is the supernatural consequence, accountability, or retribution that is REQUIRED to be PAID in order to SATISFY a WRONG committed by a GUILTY person upon God, the Holy Spirit, LIFE or another human being. “…The wages (DEBT) of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

Thus, God’s JUSTICE is fair, merited, honest, equitable, impartial, and retributive. “…whatsoever a man (woman) soweth, that shall he (she) also reap…” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). God’s JUSTICE gives EVERYONE what is DUE to them based on their OWN choices, actions, and treatment of others.

Suffering, sickness, death, loss of jobs, hunger, or other troubles or difficulties are not about God punishing sin. “... Here on earth [God’s people]... will have many trials and sorrows..." (John 16:44 NLT).

God’s CALL to repentance is for EVERYONE, whether rich, poor, well-off, struggling, or they, too, WILL perish. "…REPENT  AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins (YOUR DEBT) may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “…The wages (DEBT) of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

God’s people DO go through difficult trials and tribulations, while upon earth and they DON’T always reap what they sow from their situations or receive fair reciprocity from people. God, the Holy Spirit is their JUSTICE. “…[God’s people, like Jesus choose to completely]… entrusted [themselves]... to him who judges justly...” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).

God’s people may say: “…‘We’ve GIVEN up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). God, the Holy Spirit, said through Jesus:  “…I assure you that everyone who has GIVEN UP house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for MY SAKE and for the GOOD NEWS, will “RECEIVE NOW” in return a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, promises all the things his people ENDURE and SUFFER for righteousness sake will ALL work together for good for them that LOVE HIM. “... Here on earth [God’s people]... will have many trials and sorrows..." (John 16:44 NLT). “…all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).“…I assure you that everyone who has GIVEN UP house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for MY SAKE and for the GOOD NEWS, will “RECEIVE NOW” in return a hundred times as many [whatever]– along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

God’s JUSTICE is NOT revenge upon a wrong or sinful behavior, but a fair and equitable RESPONSE to mankind’s OWN sinful choices, unrighteous actions, and wrongful treatment of others. “…The wages (DEBT) of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory …” (Romans 3:23).

God’s JUSTICE is also CALLED his wrath, punishment, or judgement. It is also, in reality, a DEBT of accountability or responsibility OWED to God, the Holy Spirit, LIFE, or another human being, as a consequence of one’s unrighteous ACTIONS.

“…But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return…” (Luke 6:27-38 NASB).

God’s JUSTICE is usually BASED on internal realities (what’s IN the HEART) whether than external HAPPENINGS (or mere ACTIONS). God’s JUSTICE is always about STANDING UP for what is genuinely and authentically RIGHT and GOOD.

God, the Holy Spirit, is immutably RIGHTEOUS and GOOD on purpose and for NO other reason but his HOLY, benevolent, grace-filled LOVE toward mankind. “...For the Lord is a God of justice...” (Isaiah 30:18 NASB). “...For all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB). “...the King loves justice...” (Psalm 99:4 NASB). “… Thou are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “...The Lord is GOOD...” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). “...there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

God is the HOLY example of RIGHT (JUST) behavior, which he exemplifies through his HOLY nature, divine character, and benevolent kindnesses toward those who do NOT deserve it. “…GOOD and upright is the Lord…” (Psalm 25:8 KJV). “…his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV). “… God’s GRACE … is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS is part of his HOLY nature and divine character. “…for I the Lord am holy,. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “… Thou are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “...a God of justice...” (Isaiah 30:18 NASB).

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS is God’s WAY of being or behaving and he NEVER changes. “…for he is GOOD…” (Psalm 107:1 KJV). “…For thou, Lord, is GOOD…” (Psalm 86:5 KJV). “...ALL His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  ^“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13 8 NIV).

God demonstrates his JUSTICE and GOODNESS toward mankind. “…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS…” (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “...The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and just is He...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

God fills mankind with his JUSTICE and GOODNESS. “...This is what the Lord of armies has said: ‘Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother (sister)...” (Zechariah 7:9 NASB). “…The fruit of the Spirit is … goodness …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwelleth in [YOU]…” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV).

God supplies his people with enough JUSTICE and GOODNESS to share with others. “…God will supply all [his people’s need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all [his people]... need. Then [they]... will always have everything [they] need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

God persuades his people to CHOOSE to be JUST and GOOD to others as he has been JUST and GOOD to them. “…LOVE one another, even as I have loved you…” (John 13:34-35 KJV). "…In everything, therefore, TREAT people the same way you want them to TREAT you, for this is the Law and the Prophets…” (Matthew 7:12 NASB). “…O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8 NLT).

“…He hath shewed thee, O man, 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).

If God’s people CHOOSE to be JUST and GOOD to others, it is God, the indwelling Holy Spirit that ENABLES or EMPOWERS them to do it. ^“…God …works in [his people]... TO WILL and TO ACT in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may … God … equip [his people]... with everything good for doing his will, …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…Now may … God  … work in [his people]... what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

God’s kind of JUSTICE and GOODNESS is about expressing and demonstrating righteous behavior. “…GOOD and upright is the Lord…” (Psalm 25:8 KJV). “... all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS is consistent, ongoing and he totally SHUNS evil because he possesses “NO” darkness at all. “…God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all…” (1 John 1:5 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit demonstrated his HEARTfelt JUSTICE and GOODNESS by expressing himself through Jesus. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The fruit of the Spirit is … goodness …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “...Righteous and just is He...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS is “NOT” simply an outward ACT, but an inward ATTITUDE. “...A God of faithfulness and without injustice...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB). “… Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good …” (Matthew 12:33-35 NASB). “... all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

EVIL is not simply an outward ACT, but an inward ATTITUDE. “… The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually…” (Genesis 6:5 NASB). “… After He called the crowd to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” When he had left the crowd and entered the house, His disciples questioned Him about the parable.  And He said to them, “Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thus He declared all foods clean.) And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, ^[fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man…” (Mark 7:14-23 NASB). “… the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil…” (Matthew 12:33-35 NASB).

Nonetheless, God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS extends to righteous and unrighteous people. “…He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous…” (Matthew 5:45 NASB).

However, God’s special JUSTICE and GOODNESS is mainly extended to the people who BELONG to HIM through Jesus Christ.  .“…There is …no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...” (Romans 8:1 NIV). “…There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. ….” (John 3:18 NLT). “…For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…mercy triumphs over judgement…” (James 2:13 NASB).  “…remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

Further, God’s special JUSTICE and GOODNESS is FREELY given to those who belong to HIM through Christ “IF” “they” choose to RESPOND to HIS gifts and blessings toward them. “…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19). “…Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life …” (John 14 6 KJV). “…you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light…” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT).

God’s HOLY JUSTICE and GOODNESS, to his people through Jesus, is witnessed through his AMAZING GRACE and LOVE, his MANY GIFTS and KINDNESSESES, his immutably CHARACTER, and the EXCELLENCY of his HOLY NATURE.

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS, to his people and all of mankind, is witnessed, first and foremost, through his “amazing grace and love” in SALVATION. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).   “…the wages of sin is death (which is fair and equitable)…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). EVERY HUMAN BEING, UPON EARTH, DESERVES SPIRITUAL DEATH. Yet, “...God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…, my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).”…  ye [are]…saved by grace through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “… [SALVATION]... IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

God’s JUSTICE says: “…YE SHALL DIE (which is fair) IN YOUR SINS: for IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE, YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS…” (John 8:24 KJV). “…the free gift of God (which pays and erases the debt of sin) is eternal LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord (he PAID it ALL)…” (Romans 6:23 NASB). “…Christ …died for sins ONCE for all (Jesus PAID the DEBT of YOUR sin) … [and] …made [every redeemed soul]… ALIVE in the spirit …” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son...the just for the unjust...that whosoever believeth in him should not perish (be punished)…” (John 3:16 KJV & 1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Thus, God is “…is “SO” RICH in kindness and GRACE that he purchased (PAID for IT) our freedom ….and forgave our sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). God “….[was]…NOT willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance...” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). “… [HIS PEOPLE]… WHO ARE “KEPT” BY THE “POWER” OF GOD THROUGH FAITH unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time …” (1 Peter 1:5-9 KJV).  “….The exceeding RICHES of his GRACE in his kindness toward [HIS PEOPLE]... through Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 2:7 KJV). “…be strong in the GRACE that is in Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 2:1 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God I AM what I AM (DEBT FREE)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

 “…God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “...We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). God “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but delivered him up FOR US ALL (in order to PAY our DEBT of SIN)…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). ^“….God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…… [Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB). He has “….loved [mankind]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS, to his redeemed people, is also witnessed through his many gifts and kindnesses. “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). ”… ye [are]…saved through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man hath his proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “…his divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS is witnessed in his HOLY character “seen” through jesus Christ. “...The Son is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). Examples of God’s HOLY character IS ALSO manifested in his NAMES: ADONAI or YAHWEH or JEHOVAH or JEHOVAH ELOHIM or EL ELYON or JEHOVAH ELOHIM which means: “LORD” "LORD God" “Most High" “lord (jesus Christ)” "LORD God."

ELOHIM or EL SHADDAI or EL-GIBHOR which means: God “Creator, Mighty and Strong” “God Almighty” “Mighty God.”

JEHOVAH –JIREH means: "The Lord Will Provide."

JEHOVAH –RAPHA means: "The Lord Who Heals."

JEHOVAH –NISSI means: "The Lord Our Banner.”

JEHOVAH -M'KADDESH means: "The Lord Who Sanctifies, Makes Holy." 

JEHOVAH –SHALOM means: "The Lord Our Peace.

JEHOVAH H-TSIDKENU means: "The Lord Our Righteousness.”

JEHOVAH –ROHI means: "The Lord Our Shepherd.

JEHOVAH –SHAMMAH means: "The Lord Is There.

JEHOVAH –SABAOTH means: "The Lord of Hosts."

EL ROI means: "God of Seeing."

EL-OLAM means: "Everlasting God."

jesus means: “savior” “anointed one” "Emmanuel: god is with us."  “… [jesus] … is the … exact representation of his being (nature and character)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS, to his people, is witnessed through the immutable excellency of his HOLINESS. “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). OH…“THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS…” (Psalms 29:2 KJV). “…God hath not called us for uncleanness, but unto holiness…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV). “…that we might be partakers of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).  “…for I the Lord am holy,. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “….[SO] put on the new man, which after God is created in …true holiness...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV “…the BEAUTY of … [god’s] … holiness…” (2 Chronicles 16:29 KJV).

When god through Jesus paid mankind’s debt of sin, he also freed them to choose to live “holy” and “righteous” lives.

If god was a god of revenge, EVERY HUMAN BEING WOULD BE DEAD, SPIRITUALLY, FOREVER. GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, could have left MANKIND to die in THEIR sins, but he is a “JUST” AND “GOOD” god, who paid MANKIND’S debt, instead! “...God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

”…  [The LOST and SPIRITUALLY dead soul, who OWES a great DEBT of SIN is]…saved by grace through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “… [SALVATION]... IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). YOUR DEBT OF SIN; PAID IN FULL!!! God’s JUSTICE was FREELY served to ALL who receive it through Jesus Christ, who ERASES and PAID their DEBT of sin!!

The bible says:  “...Thou (God, the Holy Spirit) are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “... all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). ^“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…Great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “…The lord is GOOD…” (Psalm 100:5 KJV). “…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS… (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “...The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

“...A God of faithfulness and without injustice...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB). “...Righteous and just is He...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

“…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said, “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you, …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS… (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “...Righteous and just is He...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).

“..The lord is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). “… Thou are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “ ...there is none good but one, that is, God…” (Mark 10:18 KJV). “...The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB). “...A God of faithfulness and without injustice...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB).