The Land of Perfect Justice #10

If there was such a place as a land of perfect justice would we like it? Would we be
accepting of justice if it were dispensed perfectly? Of course before making such a
decision we would want to know what perfect justice is; and we would also want to
know if there would be exceptions to the rule. But if there are exceptions would
justice still be perfect?

The first thing we must come to grips with is that we dont want perfect justice from
God; because when Gods justice is handed out we all go to hell. What we want from
God is grace and mercy. But we are not dealing with the issue of salvation; rather we
are dealing with justice between us and our neighbor as laid out in Thou shall not
steal.

If we are to consider perfect justice we must come to the table with the
presupposition justice is to be administered because of our love for one another and
to bring righteousness to the offending party. We are not to be vengeful nor is justice
to done in the heated moment of hateful passion. The goal is not to get even; rather
it is to bring the victim back to equity by making the perpetrator liable for the cost.
This is call restitution.

Calvin considers getting even.

Restitution has two goals. The obvious one is to make amends to the offended party.
The second goal is preventative; i.e. to give evil something to think about before it is
puts itself into action. Our modern justice system fails on all levels. Incarceration for
extended periods of time keeps criminals off the streets but does nothing to redress
the victim or bring the criminal to a state of righteousness. If this were not true why
are the recidivism rates above 70 percent? Our criminal justice system does little to
rehabilitate and much to give criminal training to the inmates.

Since mans system of justice is an obvious failure, how has God designed a system of
perfect justice? Lets look at Exodus 22:1-4 (NKJV)
1
"If a man steals an ox or a
sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four
sheep for a sheep.
2
If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies,
there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed.
3
If the sun has risen on him, there shall be
guilt for his bloodshed. He should make full restitution; if he has nothing, then he
shall be sold for his theft.
4
If the theft is certainly found alive in his hand, whether
it is an ox or donkey or sheep, he shall restore double.

In the first example the man has stolen and fences the goods before he is discovered.
What he lacks is repentance for his evil deed. The point is, repentance after being
discovered is remorse for getting caught, not sorrow for the evil act. His restitution is
5 times; i.e. giving back what was taken plus 4 times as much. This makes the victim
whole and adds the preventative penalty.

In verse two a person has the right to protect his life and property with lethal force if
needed. Verse 3 puts a caveat on this in that if it is day light lethal force would not
be necessary because the perpetrator can be identified. If you used lethal force in
daylight you would then become liable for his life. Verse 4 addresses the issue of
repentance. If the thief still has the goods when he is caught it is assumed he is
repentant; therefore restitution is 2 times; once to make the victim whole and once
as preventative punishment. Note the restitution in all cases is made to the victim
and not to the state.

Think about your insurance premiums, if victims had to replace what they had stolen
wouldnt premiums be considerably lower? Also is it perfect justice when we have to
pay for insurance so as to receive restitution when we are the victim? Maybe everyone
should have to buy restorative insurance based on their history of criminal activity. It
would be akin to auto insurance; poor drivers pay higher premiums and it is their
insurer making restitution when there is an accident. This would make the criminals
pay for restitution through insurance premiums and not the victims.

So, how does a perfect justice system work?
1. If you are going to do criminal activity, you lose what you would have gained
plus a preventative penalty.
2. The penalty fits the crime. Going to jail for 20 years for stealing a car is not a
just penalty. But, replacing the stolen car plus a dollar amount equal to value
of the car fits the crime; providing you repent before being caught. If not then
a greater penalty is just.
3. Restitution is made to the victim and not to the state. Putting someone in jail
cost the state and makes no restitution to the victim.

One last thought; what would laws supporting a perfect justice system look like?
1. They would promote holiness; i.e. they would encourage people to do right and
not do wrong. It is the ideal of cleansing evil from the land.
2. They would encourage the citizenry to be dutiful to the laws. There are far too
many laws benefiting the state rather than the people living in the state.
3. They would seek justice for both the victim and the perpetrator.
4. They would be designed to restrain evil and regulate the citizenry for
righteousness.

A perfect justice system is impossible for man; that is why we must rely on the truth
of God, knowing He is perfect and holy.


Knowledge, like air, is vital to life. Like air, no one should be denied it.
Gregg

I would like to thank Dr. Dan Doriani and Covenant Theological Seminary for making
the course, Christian Ethics, freely available at:
http://www.covenantseminary.edu/resources/courses/christian-ethics-doriani/

All comics can be found at: http://www.gocomics.com