How can God be just and still forgive sins?

The question of how God can be just while forgiving sins is addressed by understanding the necessity of Christ's atonement. Romans 3:26 indicates that God is just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. The penalty for sin is death, and Christ, by His death, bore that penalty, thus satisfying justice. Because the requirement was fulfilled in Christ, God can justly extend forgiveness to sinners without compromising His holiness. This beautiful paradox is at the core of the Gospel and reveals the depth of God's grace and justice working together.