Bulletin Articles
THE INEQUITY OF DIVINE GRACE
THE INEQUITY OF DIVINE GRACE
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ep.2:8-9). The Bible repeatedly declares that our salvation is based upon the “amazing grace” of God. Grace is God’s “unmerited favor” – it is a blessing bestowed that we did not earn or deserve. But, in order to bestow His grace, there was a great inequity involved! Furthermore, in order for us to receive God’s grace, there are yet more inequities involved. Have you ever thought about “The Inequity of Divine Grace?”
Let us begin by looking at the definition of inequity. An inequity is “an instance of injustice or unfairness” (Webster). Now I find that fascinating! In the world around us, we hear constant cries for “justice and equity” – and not without reason. The very existence of God implies moral values and absolutes; standards of conduct that, if violated, should bring swift and sure punishment. This is the very nature of justice. Since man is made in the image of God, it should not surprise us that man has a “sense of justice” deeply imbedded within. We want to see injustices made right! To this end, governments are formed among men, ideally with the intent to bring justice to an unjust and inequitable world (Rm.13:1-7). Of course, because all men are sinful, the ideal is far from fully achieved. But wait! There is even more to contemplate here. You see, God has shown to us that there is a time to accept inequity!
Yes, the very same God who is perfectly just is also merciful. He extends grace and mercy and kindness to the very creatures who have stepped in His heart in their reckless pursuit of sin. But the “dirty little secret” no one wants to talk about is that this kind of grace and mercy and kindness inevitably brings a number of inequities! Let me see if I can make this simple: granting forgiveness is an inequity! Allow me to elaborate...
The cross of Christ is greatest inequity that has ever occurred! The sinless Son of God was falsely accused, falsely convicted, scourged, beaten, mocked, insulted, crucified, and pierced – all of which resulted in the unjust death of the most innocent man who ever lived. But without the shedding of His innocent blood, there can be no forgiveness of sin (Hb.9:22; cf. 1Pt.2:21-25). To put it bluntly, without this great inequity, we could not be saved!
The forgiveness of our debt of sin is also a great inequity. And let me be clear: the Bible does NOT teach that our debt of sin is “paid,” no matter how many preachers and commentaries say so. Indeed, if our debt was “paid” that would be justice! However, our debt of sin is not paid, but FORGIVEN (cf. Mt.6:12; 18:27) – ask any banker the difference! And forgiving a debt means that justice will NEVER be served on that debt; it will never be paid. That, by definition, is a gross inequity! Furthermore, EVERY TIME a sin is forgiven, there is yet another inequity. And the ONLY way to justify this inequity is through the inequity that was done to the Son of God! (cf. Rm.3:24-26)
The heavenly home granted to the forgiven is another inequity. If God was only concerned with justice and fairness, there could be no Heaven for us; justice would forbid it! Yet God in His mercy has provided not only the forgiveness of sin, but a Heavenly home (1Pt.1:3-5)! To allow undeserving sinners into Heaven is an inequity!
So, what can we learn from the facts noted above? 1. There are times when justice should be set aside for a greater good. When God forgives sin, justice is set aside for OUR greater good; and when we forgive our brother, justice is also set aside for HIS greater good (Mt.18:21-35). 2. Therefore, there are times when inequity is a good thing. When inequity is the result of grace, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness, it is good (Ep.2:4-8). 3. There is still a place for justice in this world! When people refuse to repent, there is no imperative for mercy (Lk.17:3-4; note, “IF he repents”).
There more we learn and apply the above principles, the more become more like the God who made us. May we all learn to distinguish between justice and mercy; and may we learn how to apply those qualities to the right people, at the right time, and in the right way (Ph.1:9-11). Believe me when I say, “It’s easier said than done!”
--Lanny Smith
