Justice is something all of us want, but we disagree on what is fair. Our justice system assumes a punishment will make a criminal think about their actions and become a better citizen – this is called rehabilitative justice. But the victim’s family after the court case normally complain the penalty was not enough because they want the offender to pay – this is retributive justice.
Christians see ultimate justice in Jesus. God punished the sin of all who believe and poured out the penalty on Jesus on the cross. God is serious about justice. He doesn’t just ignore offences, but punishes them. For each offence there is a debt to pay. This is retributive justice.
When it comes to punishing criminals, especially serious ones, this becomes tricky. The authorities have a difficult job. But at least one thing is clear: God cares for justice, and those who have authority now need to maintain justice. In an ultimate sense, we can look forward to a day when justice is done on all sin, and grace is shown to each one who believes in Jesus.
(Based on Bible Cafe teaching, 21 May 2010).