Injustice, Who pays the bill?
As for the wrath that King David deserved, that’s where Christ steps in. The “Old Contract” clearly called for certain death to any committing adultery or murder. But David lived for many years and died in his bed. Why? Because Christ died in our place. If not for Jesus bearing the punishment, David’s absolution would be outrageously unfair to the victims, Uriah and Bathsheba.
So would ours if not for Christ taking our place and bearing the punishment we deserved. We’d all be rightly condemned otherwise. Just letting the human race off the hook would be unjust so Jesus not only bore our sin, He bore the wrath and punishment due to us as well. That’s “The New Contract,” (“New Covenant” ) 1Thes.5:9. “For God has not appointed us to wrath…” Thank you Jesus!
Consequences?
When one points out that there were consequences that David lived with from that point forward, it must be noted that these were not punitive from God’s hand. On the contrary, these were all man-made, by David, “for whatsoever a man sows that will he also reap,” Gal.6:7.
God’s Grace and Mercy are seen helping David with these throughout the Psalms, as in the case of Absalom’s rebellion. To suggest the consequences were further punishment from God’s hand demeans the virtue of “the Blood” of Ps.51. It deems it as, “insufficient funds” for the payment leaving David with paying the debt in full.
Interest?
Defining consequences as the “interest” on sin’s debt that’s our part to pay is blasphemous. What percentage did Jesus leave unpaid? Did he not suffer enough? He said, “it is finished.” How could we possibly add to it? We are saved by faith alone without works, not a combination of faith plus works. Jesus paid it all. We even sing it.
Beating yourself up?
Self-imposed floggings, penance, and guilt trips can never absolve or cleanse from sin. Condemnation is certainly deserved but never possible if we are walking in God’s Spirit, according to Rom.8:1. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.” Therein is revealed the source of condemnation and the solution to it. God’s Spirit never meets out condemnation, only redemption.
Freedom from sin’s penalty is only in accepting the value God places on the sacrifice of His wonderful Son. It has nothing to do with us, except believing.
Restoration
Letting others drown in the consequences of their own foolishness is the natural response of the natural man, not the spiritual man. Scripture says, “you which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness lest you also be tempted,” Gal.6:1. David said, ” He restores my soul.” Those cooperating with God are in the restoration business, not the condemnation business.
Help!
Restoration is the one thing that no one can do for himself. Nothing in the Bible says “restore yourself.” There is desperate dependence upon assistance when it comes to the restoration of the fallen. A drowning man needs a lifebuoy. Who will throw it to him?
The passive observation of fallen brethren in desperate need of help is un God-like. Jesus did not fold His arms and watch Peter drown in the sea when he sank because of his unbelief. Neither did He go passive after Peter’s profanity and cowardice denied Him at the Crucifixion. In both cases, Christ took the initiative, without being asked to assist His fallen friend with his consequences. One can only bear the burden of treading the water of his self-generated consequences for so long.
God does not shoot the wounded. Not even if the wound is self-inflicted.
Follow
When we forgive and release all vengeance and justice to God, Christ reinforces us. He immediately begins imparting His Peace and health, reversing the stress and the effects of its toxins. He also imparts supernatural strength because letting go isn’t easy. It is, in fact, unnatural. The truth is, it’s impossible without Him.
His example becomes our GPS for navigating through bitterness and offenses. “Father forgive them,” is our point of departure. Resurrection Life is our sure destination. Faith is our ticket for the journey.
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.” Phil.3:10 KJV.
Whatever injustice we suffer, He has already encountered it before us. He knows the anguish and He is “The Way” through it. He has conquered much worse and reigns over all of it today and forever.
When we face injustice, Jesus extends His hand to us. He says, “ hang on, I can handle this.”