God's justice and mercy coexist perfectly; He demonstrates justice by punishing sin and mercy by providing a savior in Christ.
The relationship between God's justice and mercy is a profound mystery and a central tenet of Reformed theology. God's justice requires that sin must be punished, reflecting His holiness and righteousness. Yet, in His great mercy, He provided Jesus Christ as the substitute who bears the punishment for our sins, fulfilling both justice and mercy. As Romans 3:26 states, 'To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.' This means that while God does not overlook sin, He also makes a way for sinners to be justified through faith in Christ. Understanding this balance encourages believers to appreciate the depth of God's love while recognizing the seriousness of sin.
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