How can God be both just and merciful?

God's ability to be both just and merciful stems from the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. While God's justice demands punishment for sin, His mercy allows for forgiveness. Romans 8:32 illustrates that God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for sinners, demonstrating His immense love and the fulfillment of justice through Christ's sacrifice. This dual aspect of God's character is vital for understanding salvation; believers find their refuge in Christ, who bore the wrath of God on their behalf, thus allowing God to be both the just judge and the merciful Savior. It is through this lens that believers can approach God with confidence, aware of their sins yet trusting in His grace.