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What is God Like?
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GOD IS JUST & GOOD.

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DIKAIOS, was first used of persons observant
of DIKE, “custom, rule, right,”
Especially in the fulfillment of duties towards gods
and men, and of things that were in accordance with
right. The English word “righteous” was formerly
spelt “rightwise,” i.e., (in a) straight way.
“God Is Just. :- What Do We Mean by “Just”?
Said of God, it designates the perfect agreement
between His nature and His acts in which He is the
standard for all men. (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical
In the NT it denotes:- “righteous,”
a state of being right, or right conduct,
judged whether by the divine standard,
or according to human standards, of what is right.

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“How Should Man Be Just with God?”
This was the question that troubled Job (9:2).
He knew men could be reconciled to God.
But just how it was possible? Knowing God was
holy and just, was beyond his comprehension.
Job knew that he was not without sin; he also knew
that there were none among men who could make
the claim and bring about reconciliation. (9:33).
WE are seeking out the “divine nature.”
(2 Peter 1:4)
In order to be partakers of the “divine nature.”
From Job’s query we learn the importance
and the difficulty of the task.

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DIKAION, DIKAIA, DIKAION (from DIKE right),
properly, “observant of “righteous, observing divine
and human laws; one who is such as he ought to
be.” (Thayer’s Greek–English Lexicon).
The Justice of God According to the Theological
Dictionaries. e.g. Easton’s Bible Dictionary.
“JUSTICE OF GOD that perfection of His nature
whereby He is infinitely righteous in Himself and in
all He does, the righteousness of the divine nature
exercised in His moral government.”

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McClintock & Strong’s Cyclopedia,
(the quality of being right morally).
The righteousness of God is the essential perfection
of His nature, and is frequently used to designate
His holiness, justice, and faithfulness.
(Gen 18:25; Deut 6:25; Psa 31:1; 119:137, 142;
Isa 45:23; 46:13; 51:5-8; 56:1).
The righteousness of Christ denotes
not only His absolute perfection.
(Isaiah 51:11; 1 John 2:1; Acts 3:14),
But also His perfect obedience unto death
as the sacrifice for the sin of the world.
(Dan 9:24; Rom 3:25, 26; 5:18, 19; Jer 23:6; John 1:29).

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The righteousness of the law
is that obedience which the law requires.
(Romans 3:10, 20; 8:4).
The righteousness of faith
is the justification which is received by faith.
(Rom 3:21-28; 4:3-25; 5:1-11; 10:6-11; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 2:21).

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Justice is reflected in our actions. (1 Thess 2:10;).
You yourselves are our witnesses and so is God,
that we were pure and honest and faultless
toward all of you believers.
Just Deeds. (Micah 6:8)
(a) Fair Trading. (Leviticus 19:36; Proverbs 11:1)
(b) Fair Treatment. (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31)
Just Words. (Matthew 12:36-37)
(a) Truth Speaking. (1 Tim 1:9, 10; Rom 3:4)
(b) Truth Teaching. (Luke 20:21; Rom 7:12; Matt 23:23)
(c) Truth Confessing. (Luke 23:3; Matt 26:74;
Rom 10:9; Matt 10:32, 33; John 12:42, 43)

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Righteousness is sometimes used for uprightness
and just dealing between man and man.
(Isaiah 60:17;)
Also for holiness of life and conversation.
(Daniel 4:27; Luke 1:6; Romans 14:17; Ephesians 5:9).
Justice Demonstrated from the Scriptures In Man.
To be just is to be blameless, without fault,
beyond condemnation under the law.
In this sense many saints are said
to be just or righteous:-
(1) Joseph. (Matthew 1:19)
(2) Zachariah and Elizabeth. (Luke 1:6)
(3) John the Baptist. (Mark 6:20)
(4) Joseph of Arimathea. (Luke 23:50)
(5) Cornelius. (Acts 10:22)

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Just Judgment (John 7:24)
"Do not judge according to appearance,
but judge with righteous judgment."
(a) Not according to appearance. (John 7:24)
(b) Not according to suspicion. (1 Timothy 6:4)
(c) Not by misrepresentation. (Luke 20:20)
(d) Not by subversion. (Deuteronomy 16:18-19)
(e) Not with respect of persons. (Proverbs 24:23-24)
“God Is Just

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Justice as seen in God…
God’s justice confessed by men:-
(1) Bildad. (Job 8:3)
(2) Abraham. (Genesis 18:25)
(3) Moses. (Deuteronomy 10:17-18)
(4) David. (Psalms 7:9-11; 89:14)
(5) Nehemiah. (9:33)
"However, You are just in all that has come upon us;
For You have dealt faithfully,
but we have acted wickedly.”
Nehemiah 9:33;

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God’s justice confessed by angels and demons:-
(1) Demon in the synagogue. (Luke 4:34)
(2) Gabriel of Christ. (Luke 1:35)
(3) The Cherubim of the Father. (Rev 4:8)
(4) The Seraphim of the Father. (Isaiah 6:2-3)
God professes Himself to be just (Isaiah 45:21)
“Consult together, argue your case, and state your
proofs that idol worship pays.
Who made these things known long ago?
What idol ever told you they would happen?
Was it not I, the Lord? For there is no other
God but me, a just God and a Saviour.
No, not one!”

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(1) Just words. (Psalms 119:172; Hebrews 6:16-18)
(2) Just deeds. (1 John 1:9; Romans 3:26)
(3) Just judgments. (Deut 10:17; Romans 2:5-11)
God’s Justice is Found in the Forgiveness of Sins.
The problem stated:-
The resolution between the facts that:-
a. God “wants all men to be saved.”
(1 Tim 2:3-4; 2 Pet 3:9).
b. But “all have sinned.” (Romans 3:23);
“the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23).

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Thus, JUSTICE demands PROPITIATION,
(The turning away of wrath by an offering.)
The love of the Father is shown in that he "sent his
Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4:10)
For Justice to be met
it must be genuine propitiation.
(Hebrews 9:22; 10:4)
The problem resolved:- “Christ died for our sins.”
(1 Corinthians 15:3; John 1:29, 1 John 2:2).

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a. We were redeemed through His blood. (Eph 1:7)
b. He bore our sins. (1 Peter 2:24)
Because God Is Just …
“I Will Seek Him Out for the Forgiveness of Sins.”
(1 John 1:9)
Thus, in the death of Christ
justice and mercy blend together.
(Hebrews 9:15, Romans 3:25ff).

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God’s justice is tempered by His mercy.
“Unfailing love and truth have met together.
Righteousness and peace have kissed!”
Psalms 85:10;
Your throne is founded on two strong pillars:-
“righteousness and justice. Unfailing love and truth
walk before you as attendants.”
Psa 89:14;
“While we serve a just God, He is not merciless.”
(2 Samuel 22:26-28).
“God wants to save us and will save us,
if we will yield to Him.”(2 Peter 3:9; 1 Tim 2:4).

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I Will Be a Just & Merciful Person
in My Relations with Others:-
“I must remember how God has dealt with me.”
(Proverbs 21:21)
In my dealings with my brethren.
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, just as God through Christ
has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32).
I do not want to be the “unmerciful servant”
(Matthew 18:31–35).
“Mercy is to the merciful,
forgiveness to the forgiving.”
(Matt 5:7; Gal 3:11-12).

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I Will Keep His Commandments. (1 John 3:7).
God’s commandments are righteousness.
(Psalms 119:172).
They that do His commandments
are just and righteous before Him.
(1 Thess 2:10).
Having sought God’s mercy and found it,
I want to know and keep his commandments.
(1 John 2:29).
I Will Trust Him. (Psalms 4:5).
He will never lie. (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2).
He will always do right. (Genesis 18:25; Nehemiah 9:33).
He keeps His promises. (Hebrews 6:18).
“God Is Just

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CONCLUSION:- No Man Is Just Before God!
“All have sinned and fallen short” (Romans 3:23).
Job was right, we cannot stand before God
on our own and there is none to stand there for us.
But God, “is a just God and a Saviour,”
sent Jesus, “the Just One,”
To be our Redeemer, giving the “just for the unjust.”
(1 Peter 3:18).
We need to be right with our God.
We need to have a relationship with God
through our acceptance of
the good news of the gospel.
“God Is Just”

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The Rich Man
17. “As he was starting out on a trip, a man came running up
to Jesus, knelt down, and asked, "Good Teacher, what
should I do to get eternal life?“ 18. "Why do you call me
good?" Jesus asked. "Only God is truly good.”
19. But as for your question, you know the commandments:-
'Do not murder.
Do not commit adultery. Do not steal.
Do not testify falsely. Do not cheat.
Honour your father and mother.' "
20. "Teacher," the man replied,
"I've obeyed all these commandments
since I was a child."
“God Is Good”

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Jesus felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him.
"You lack only one thing," he told him. "Go and sell all
you have and give the money to the poor,
and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
22. At this, the man's face fell, and he went sadly
away because he had many possessions.
23. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
"How hard it is for rich people
to get into the Kingdom of God!"
24. This amazed them. But Jesus said again,
"Dear children, it is very hard
to get into the Kingdom of God.”

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He was gently bringing this young man to a better
understanding of Himself. God alone is good.
Psa 107:1; 1 Chron 16:34;
“ You say that I am good.
Therefore, you say that I am God.”
John 18:33-34;
Jesus turns to his question about eternal life:-
Keep the commandments. Not sinless perfection,
but blamelessness before God.
Luke 1:6;
This young ruler sensed more was needed:-
“What lack I yet?”
Any perceptive Jew would understand.

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The Text in Context:- The Kingdom of God.
“The Rich Young Ruler came to Jesus
seeking eternal life.” Mark 10:17
Sometimes, I think we are too hard on this man.
(cf. Luke 10:25).
He apparently was sincere. (Mark 10:17, 21).
His response to Jesus’ answer indicates that he
understood more than most regarding justification.
(cf. Romans 7:10).
He approaches Jesus with the common address
for a respected Rabbi intending no disrespect.
(Matthew 23:7-10).

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Jesus, as He often did, used this as an opportunity
to subtly teach the truth concerning His deity.
see Matt 22:42-45;
21. “It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to
do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.
22. I love God's law with all my heart.
23. But there is another law at work within me that
is at war with my mind. This law wins the fight and
makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.
24. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free
me from this life that is dominated by sin? 25. Thank
God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you
see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's
law, but because of my desires I am a slave to sin.
Romans 7:22-24;

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One thing you lack…”
Jesus did not want the money; He wanted the man.
The love of money stood between him
and the Word of Life.
The Text in Explanation
“Goodness” according to the Lexicons:-
AGATHOS, describes that which, being “good” in its
character or constitution, is beneficial in its effect…
in a moral sense, frequently of persons and things.
God is essentially, absolutely and consummately
“good.” (Matthew 19:17; Mark 10:18; Luke 18:19).

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CHRESTOS, of things, “that which is pleasant,”
of persons, “kindly, gracious,”…”good”
1 Cor 15:33;
“goodness” in Rom 2:4;
CHRESTOTES, denotes “goodness.”
In the sense of what is upright, righteous. Rom 3:12;
In the sense of kindness of heart or act:-
Said of God. Rom 2:4; 11:22 ; Eph 2:7; Titus 3:4 4.
But then God our Saviour
showed us His kindness and love.
Said of believers and rendered “kindness.”
2 Corinthians 6:6;
Colossians 3:12; Galatians 5:22; “gentleness.

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It signifies “not merely goodness as a quality,
rather it is goodness in action,
goodness expressing itself in deeds;
Yet not goodness expressing itself in indignation
against sin, for it is contrasted with severity in
Romans 11:22;
“but in grace and tenderness and compassion.”
It is used, in the NT, of regenerate persons.
Rom 15:14; Gal 5:22; Eph 5:9; 2 Thess 1:11;.
AGATHOSUNE, “goodness,” signifies that moral
quality which is described by the adjective
AGATHOS.

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Trench, following Jerome, distinguishes between
CHRESTOTES and AGATHOSUNE in that the former
describes the kindlier aspects of “goodness.”
The latter includes also the sterner qualities by
which doing “good” to others is not necessarily
by gentle means…
Lightfoot regards CHRESTOTES as:-
“a kindly disposition towards others.”
AGATHOSUNE as “a kindly activity on their behalf.”
(Vine's Expository Dictionary)
What is God’s “goodness” in Matthew 19:17;?
"Why ask me about what is good?"
Jesus replied. "Only God is good.

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Summarizing the lexical definitions and
remembering what Jesus said concerning God’s
unique position relative to goodness, we learn:-
God’s “goodness” extends from His character
to include all His thoughts, words and actions.
All that God does is good,
and the affect it has upon us is good.
There is no one who is as God is, wholly good.
(1 John 1:5).
This goodness is not in appearance only,
but also in effect and affect.

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God’s essential goodness is not to be confused
with His kindness or gentleness. (Romans 11:22;).
Neither should we conclude that
one excludes the other.
On the contrary, “goodness” necessitates
both in a righteous and merciful God.
God’s goodness includes His tender acts of mercy,
chastening reproofs and punitive judgments.

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Consider Psalms 107:1ff
8-9, “After extolling God for His mercy in delivering
Israel from Egypt and leading them into Canaan.”
15, “After praising God’s retribution against Israel’s
rebellion in idolatry that resulted in their captivity to
save a remnant.”
21, “After praising God for the healing power of His
Word to the obedient, penitent believer.”
31, “After thanking God for His mercy in delivering
the believer from testing and trial in life.
32, In anticipation of praising God for His providence
in physical blessing, prospering the helpless and
overthrowing the oppressor.”
43, “Observe these and understand the “goodness”
of God.”

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We have been approaching our study of God
with the knowledge that our belief system
determines behaviour.
(Psalms 10:4-5; cf. Ezekiel 9:9; 2 Peter 2:10-12;
Jude 12; 2 Timothy 3:1-8;).
1. Long ago God spoke many times and in many
ways to our ancestors through the prophets.
2. But now in these final days,
He has spoken to us through His Son.
What we believe about God shapes our responses
to Him and His Word. If we are convicted of the
existence of God. (Heb 11:6),
We will seek Him and find Him through His Word.
(Acts 17:27; Hebrews 1:2).

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If we understand and are confident in the loving
character of God (1 John 4:8) and His desire
that we should draw near (Hebrews 11:6),
then we will surely come to God.
By the same token, if we deny His existence,
diminish His power or corrupt His character we
usually do so in order to promote our own
lusts and desires which are contrary to His will.
Thus, we deceive ourselves, resist the truth,
make the Creator into the image of the creature
and are condemned concerning the truth.

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What we believe about the goodness of God
will surely shape our relationship to Him and
be reflected in what we believe,
teach and practice in His name.
God’s Goodness Demonstrated
God’s Goodness is demonstrated
in the creation order. (Psa 8:1-9).
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily
loads us with benefits.” (Psa 68:19).
“He sends the sunshine and the rain…”
(Matt 5:43, 44; Acts 14:17).
Indeed, “in Him we live and move and
have our being.” (Acts 17:28).

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How is it that we cannot be awed by the
Grace of God and humbled by the exalted place
in which He has set us? Such abundant blessing
ought to drive us straight into His arms.
God’s goodness is demonstrated in His Laws.
(Rom 7:12;).
God’s commandments are not burdensome.
(1 John 5:3; cf. Matthew 11:28;).
His Laws (statutes) promote happiness and health:-
The OT Sabbath. (cf. Mark 2:27;)

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God’s marriage law/ biblical pattern for the family.
Concepts of a just judiciary,
standards of evidence, capital punishment.
The Golden Rule. (Luke 6:31; Leviticus 19:18)
These demonstrations in God’s laws surely indicate
that God is genuinely concerned about even the
least of men.
“do not oppress the poor, the widow or the orphan.”
While maintaining a fair and equitable system
of justice without respect of persons.
“do not pervert the justice of the rich
in favour of the poor.”
Surely, no just man would fear appearing
before such a judge as that!

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His goodness demonstrated
in righteous acts and judgments. (Gen 18:25).
The Flood. (2 Peter 2:5; Gen 6)
Sodom and Gomorrah. (2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7; Gen 19)
The Amorites.
(Gen 15:16-21; 1 Kings 21:26; cf. Daniel 8:23;)
The Amalekites.
(1 Sam 15:1-3; Exod 17:8-16; Deut 25:17-19;)
In all these judgments no trace of malignity or
capriciousness or vindictiveness can be found.

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God’s judgments came after much pleading
and warning through prophets
and demonstrations of mercy.
The wickedness condemned is
obvious and worthy of the result.
Gods goodness seen in overt acts
of kindness and mercy. (Isa 63:7).
Hagar in the wilderness. (Genesis 21:14–19)
Abimelech. (Genesis 20:6)
The Jews in Sinai. (Deut 8:4; Nehemiah 9:21)
The three Hebrew young men in Babylon. (Daniel 3)
Any miracle of Jesus. (Matthew 14:14)

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How can any doubt the goodness of God when
He sees the tender feelings that God has toward
His creatures? Such a goodness as
this ought to drive away fear and dread.
It ought to melt the heart to see it demonstrated
over and over again in the many compassionate
acts of the loving Saviour.
God’s goodness revealed in the
message of salvation. (Psa 25:8-10).
God is “seeking” worshippers
through the Gospel. (John 4:24).
He is not far from any one of us. (Acts 17:27).

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What Does God’s Goodness Mean to Me?
Since God is truly good, I will diligently seek Him.
(Hebrews 11:6).
God’s goodness is realized in obedience to the
Gospel which reveals and explains His plan of
righteousness. (2 Thess 1:11, 12; Romans 11:22).
We experience the grace and mercy of God in the
Gospel. (Titus 3:5).
When this glorious message is preached we are led
to repentance. (Romans 2:4).

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In the Gospel we see God’s goodness
displayed in His…
Love. (John 3:16)
Mercy. (Luke 7:42)
Universal desire for the salvation of man.
(1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:10)
Longsuffering. (2 Peter 3:15)
Continued intercession.
(Romans 4:25; 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 1:6–9)

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WHAT IS GOD LIKE
ESSENCE
of
GOD
ETERNAL
OMNISCIENT
SPIRIT
OMNIPOTENT
OMNIPRESENT
UNITY
IMMUTABLE
GOOD
HOLY FAITHFUL
IS THIS THE GOD YOU BELIEVE IN
TRUTH
LOVE
JUSTICE
MERCY
WRATHGRACE

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Prepared by
Graeme Morrison
graemestudy@gmail.com
www.graemebibleresources.com
Next in the series:- God Is Love.
What is God Like?
7 of 11
GOD IS JUST & GOOD.

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