The Character of God Forgiving & Just 12/10/23

Series:  The Character of God

Forgiving & Just

Exodus 34:1-7

God’s character does not change.   

“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

Exodus 34:6-7a  

There are 2 ways that He shows His faithfulness:

1) He dwells with His people. 

2) He willingly forgives His people.

He is a FORGIVING God

Forgiveness:  nā·śā = to lift a burden, to be transported, to raise the head of someone with eyes turned downward, to honor someone

“for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. 

He will not turn His face from you if you return to Him.”

2 Chronicles 30:9b

Iniquity:                    ʿā·wōn = breaking a law

Rebellion:                pě·šǎʿ   = rejecting authority   

Sin:                             ḥǎṭ·ṭā·ʾāh = immoral/evil

He is a God of JUSTICE 

He will not leave: pā·qǎḏ = to count, to record.

According to Deuteronomy 24:16 and Ezekiel 18:20, children were not penalized for their parents’ sins. 

The justice/forgiveness tension is reconciled through penal substitution = a substitute taking a person’s penalty.

God does not set aside justice to make room for mercy. Rather justice and mercy embrace at the cross.  

Romans 3:23-26   

Lessons for Us:

Do not neglect the full character of God. God will judge and punish sin. 

Revelation 20:11-15  

Forgiveness does not mean that justice is not served. Justice makes it possible for forgiveness to exist.  

Romans 12:19   

Colossians 3:13

Understanding God’s character as revealed in Jesus gives us the model for our lives.