The Righteous Character of God.

     In order to properly understand our lost condition, we must have an understanding of the Holiness of God. Many people think that they are really not that bad, perhaps their good deeds will outweigh their bad deeds. They may feel as though God somehow will not punish them, after all He is a loving Father, and we are all His Children, right? This is a deception!
     What do the scriptures teach us about the Character of God? 
     1. He is Holy (Isaiah 6:3, Rev 4:8). To be holy is to be set apart from all that is selfish and sinful. It is to be set apart to the promotion of the Highest good of all being. As the only divine being, God is free of all sin, and selfishness (1John 1:5). When Jesus walked this earth He faced temptation just like we do, yet He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). 
     2. God is righteous (1John 3:7, Psalm 89:14). To be righteous is to be right, perfect in character, to always do what is right. This is what makes up the character of God. He will always do what is right in each and every situation.
     3. Justice will prevail in the kingdom of God (Psalm 99:4). Psalm 89:14 declares that the foundation of God's throne is righteousness (God will always do the right thing), and Justice. God in His justice will make things right. Wrong doing will be punished. Nobody gets away with sin in the justice of God. We may have unjust courts, and judges who go soft on crime, but God will Judge, and it will be just and fair. It is sobering to think that we will stand before Him, nothing hidden from His sight (Hebrews 4:13), with no excuses (Romans 3:4,19).
     4. God is love (1John 4:16). As a loving God, He seeks the highest good for His creation. It would be wonderful if we all loved God and lived for His glory. We would live in peace and the favor of God all of our days! Sadly this world is fallen, and love compels God to be fair in all His dealings with us. He must discipline those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). Because He loves us He must mete out justice, which seems severe to those who are on the receiving end, but once again, God's Character is perfect in every way. Everything He does is right every time. Out of His love He blesses us with rain, sunshine, life itself. He cares for us, even though we have rebelled against Him. Though He is angry with the sinner (Psalm 7:11), He desires that such a one would turn from evil, and live (Ezekiel 18:30-32).