God's Standard of Justice Unchanged

     The New Testament reveals that when Jesus appeared on earth He confirmed God’s standard of justice introduced in the Old Testament.  In fact Jesus was the primary object of the Old Testament.  Very early in His ministry, Jesus explained His relationship to Old Testament law.

     “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets.  I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.  For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”  Matthew 5:17-18

     Therefore, Jesus confirmed the applicability of God’s standard of righteousness and justice revealed to national Israel via Moses 1500 years earlier.

     One of the major sins of the Pharisees during Jesus’ earthly ministry was their self serving emphasis and interpretation of the Mosaic Law.  Their priority was to ‘appear’ righteous.  In other words, they chose to obey those parts of the law that furthered their agenda. Jesus adamantly renounced such political correctness.

     “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law; justice and mercy and faith.  These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.  Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!”  Matthew 23:23-24

     Recall the story Jesus told about the rich man and Lazarus.  Both died and the rich man went to Hades where he was suffering while Lazarus was said to be resting in Abraham’s bosom.  As the story unfolded the rich man implored Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers of the torment he was experiencing in Hades.  Abraham’s response confirmed the immutability and applicability of the original law given in the Old Testament.

     “Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them’. And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead they will repent’.  But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”  Luke 16:29-30

     Jesus was explaining that the Mosaic Law was still relevant and there was no excusing the rich man being in Hades because he willfully neglected the original law.  That original law was also sufficient warning to his brothers.

     In the epistles the Apostle Paul stressed the authenticity of the Scriptures.

     “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…”  2 Timothy 3:16

     Notice Paul’s statement begins with the word ‘all’.  Biblical writers penned their messages under God’s inspiration and all scripture should be used as a benchmark for God’s standard of righteousness which is immutable.

     It’s interesting that the Apostle Peter quoted, and thus reaffirmed, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah relative to the applicability and longevity of God’s word.

     “…The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.”  1 Peter 1:24b-25a

     Then just as in the Old Testament, the New Testament ends with a warning for those who add or subtract from God’s word.

     “...If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Tree of Life…”  Revelation 22:18-19

     Thus God’s standard of righteousness and justice has remained absolutely unchanged for 3500 years and is/will be the benchmark by which America will be evaluated and judged.

     Such contemporary thinking that the benchmark should continue to evolve as does secular morality is totally unfounded.  Progressivism is man’s attempt to justify present day morality regardless of Biblical standards.

     “There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way of death…Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”  Proverbs 14:12, 30:6

     But this is America and everyone has the freedom to choose their destiny and by which standard of justice they will be evaluated.