JUSTICE AND MERCY

 

 

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)

The resurrection is the greatest example of perfect balance between justice and mercy. Here is how it plays out. President Fielding Smith taught that no person who has lived and died on this earth will be denied the resurrection because “Adam alone was responsible for death, and therefore the Lord does not lay this to the charge of any other person. Justice demands that no person who was not responsible for death shall be held responsible for it….” (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:274, New Testament Student Manual). This is fairness. Justice also, however, has demands which must be met.

When Christ appears to the world in clouds of glory, He will not come bearing a bouquet of roses. He will come to cleanse the earth of wickedness and subdue all enemies under His feet (D&C 76:61). This means all ‘fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, abusers, thieves, drunkards, revilers, liars, extortioners, murderers’ (1 Corinthians 6:9,10). Herein enters mercy. Because of its existence, even the worst sinners, bar the sons of perdition, will be resurrected to a kingdom of glory, the telestial kingdom. When King David fell from his exaltation, he was assured his soul will not be left in hell.  This part of the resurrection is scripturally referred to as ‘the sure mercies of David’. (Acts 2:25-28; 13:22-37; Isaiah 55:1-4; Psalms 16:10; D&C 132:39).

Without justice, the faithfulness of the just would be of no value, and without mercy none of us could be saved for ‘we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23). On judgment day the balance between justice and mercy will be so perfect that none of us will be able to question it. Had the Saviour not bought us with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20), we would all be lost……something that is unthinkable to God the Father.  I give thanks that He provided a Saviour who was willing to sink into the unthinkable pit of human agony to save us all.

I have seen your sins

And the years you have lived with futile pride.

I bore your life with crimson drops

And sought forgiveness on your behalf

To pay the price of justice

And mend your broken heart.

I wait for you to come

Into the shadow of my wings,

I have paid the price,

Come unto Me,

Your God and your King. 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Time Is At Hand by Danny Hahlbohm)