Injustice is a major theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, we see God’s heart for justice and how he expects his followers to pursue justice in society.
At the core of injustice is the misuse of power to take advantage of others. This can take many forms, including oppression of the poor, racism, sexism, corruption, and more. The Bible makes it clear that God cares deeply about injustice and how we treat one another.
Old Testament Teachings on Justice
In the Old Testament, God delivered the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, showing his concern for the oppressed (Exodus 3:7-8). The Law of Moses prescribed fair and impartial justice for all people (Leviticus 19:15). The prophets boldly confronted corrupt leaders and systems, calling them to enact justice on behalf of the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17). God sent Jonah to call Nineveh to repent of its violence and oppression.
Some key Old Testament verses on justice include:
- “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
- “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.” (Zechariah 7:9)
- “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people.” (Isaiah 10:1-2)
The Old Testament law and prophets revealed God’s unwavering expectation that his people would uphold justice and oppose oppression. This set the stage for Jesus’ ministry.
Jesus’ Message of Justice
In the Gospels, Jesus proclaimed good news to the poor, freedom for the oppressed, and justice for the marginalized (Luke 4:18-19). He treated women, children, immigrants, and disabled people with value and compassion. Jesus reprimanded religious leaders who “neglected justice, mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23). Through parables, he taught that we must show justice and mercy to “the least of these” in society (Matthew 25:31-46).
Jesus confronted corrupt systems and powers that exploited people. He cleared the temple of merchants who were profiteering off poor pilgrims (John 2:13-16). He challenged religious authorities who burdened people with strict rules but did little to alleviate true suffering (Luke 11:46). Jesus came to set right injustice and restore shalom.
Some key verses from the Gospels include:
- “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
- “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.” (Luke 11:42)
- “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.” (Luke 1:52-53)
Justice in the Epistles
The New Testament letters connect justice and righteousness to following Jesus. Paul wrote to the Romans that through faith in Christ, both Jew and Gentile have equal access to God, dismantling human barriers of injustice (Romans 3:22-24). James proclaimed that true religion must include caring for widows and orphans while avoiding favoritism (James 1:27, 2:1-9).
Paul and the other apostles collected money from their churches to help the poor in Jerusalem, showing solidarity across ethnic lines (2 Corinthians 8-9). They taught principles of justice, generosity, and equality among races, genders, and social classes in Christ’s new community.
Some relevant passages include:
- “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
- “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:17-18)
Justice in Revelation
The book of Revelation promises that injustice will not stand forever. The martyrs cry out, “How long, Sovereign Lord, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” (Revelation 6:10). God’s judgment ultimately rights all wrongs. A day is coming when God will wipe away every tear and “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4).
Until Christ’s return, Revelation calls Jesus’ followers to stand against idolatry and immorality and to hold fast to righteous living (Revelation 2-3). Believers are to worship God alone and rely on the justice of Christ. God hears their prayers and will make all things new in the age to come.
Key verses include:
- “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’ She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every impure spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.” (Revelation 18:2)
- “Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say: ‘You are just in these judgments, O Holy One, you who are and who were; for they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.'” (Revelation 16:5-6)
Implications for Believers
From beginning to end, Scripture reveals God’s passion for justice and his displeasure with oppression. A few key implications for believers today include:
- We must care for the vulnerable and defend the oppressed.
- We should advocate for social systems and leaders that enact fair policies and just laws.
- We must address injustices like racism and prejudice within the church.
- Pursuing economic justice and generosity is part of faithful discipleship.
- We are called to “love your neighbor as yourself” across all ethnic, social, and gender barriers.
Micah 6:8 summarizes it well: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” As followers of Christ, we are to live justly in an unjust world as we await the day when God sets all things right.