A Question of Justice

The sermon explores the contrast between worldly notions of justice—rooted in superstition, self-justification, and a desire to see others punished—and the perfect, redemptive justice of God revealed in Christ. It highlights how the Maltese people, witnessing Paul survive a snakebite, wrongly assumed divine retribution was at work, reflecting a common human tendency to equate suffering with guilt. In contrast, the sermon affirms that God's justice is not arbitrary or vengeful but is fulfilled in Christ's atonement, where believers' sins are fully paid for, rendering them immune to further punishment. True justice, the sermon argues, is not about retribution but about restoration, as God uses trials for the believer's growth and ultimately vindicates His people. The ultimate display of justice will be seen at the final judgment, when Satan and the unrepentant are eternally punished, while the redeemed stand unharmed, marveling at God's wisdom in maintaining justice while extending mercy through Christ.