Divine Love, Mercy, and Justice in Christ's Atonement
A CORRESPONDENT asks: “If God is a God of love, mercy, and justice, on what principle could he send his only begotten Son to die, the just for the unjust, and not tarnish his character?” ANSWER: On the principle (a) of love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. (b) Of mercy. “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” Titus 3:4, 5. (c) Of justice. “To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness; that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Rom. 3:26. These are the only principles upon which it could be done; there are no others. No one who believes the Bible can deny that this is so, and every one who rejoices in the triumph of love, mercy, and justice must approve and adore the plan.