Across our nation, there is a statue that adorns many courthouses across the land – the statue, Lady Justice – is seen as being the perfect representation of the ideals of American jurisprudence. She is blindfolded, and in one hand holds up a balance, while holding a sword in the other. Our nation takes great pride in the dispensation of justice. Phrases such as “justice is blind” and “equal protection under the law” are taught in nearly every high school civics class across the country. Recently, I heard some people in my community talking about various local judges; one was considered a “good judge” because he was deemed as understanding, cared about people and always tried to find a way to give them a second chance. The other judge was seen as evil, wicked and uncaring because he does not give second chances and always gives the criminal the harshest penalties that the law allows.
Just as the three people were discussing the implementation of man’s idea of justice, we have all come across people that try and view God’s implementation of justice in similar fashion. The world (and some so-called “Christian” denominations) have the idea that God weighs your good and bad deeds and as long as your good deeds outweigh the bad, then you’ll get into Heaven. This is far from the truth; in fact, Jesus taught against this very thing: And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions (Matthew 19:16-22).
Overall, this young man was what the world would be considered a decent, good man. It was not his great deeds, his good and wholesome lifestyle, or even his great wealth that would keep him from eternal life. The thing that would keep him from gaining eternal life was his lack of obedience and faith – the young man loved his wealth and the prestige and security that comes with it. Instead of depending upon the Lord Jesus Christ and the promise that even the apostle Paul understood, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19), this young man took great comfort in relying on his own works, his own hands, and his own understanding. He didn’t want to hear the teachings of Jesus: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:19-21).
