The Patriot Post® · Social Justice

By David Spence ·
https://patriotpost.us/commentary/16712-social-justice-2013-02-12

For liberals, Democrats and alas, some Republicans and Independents, social justice is based on the notion of economic equality through progressive taxation, income redistribution, or even property redistribution. But is that truly social justice?

When God desired to enter a covenant relationship with Abraham, God spoke these words:

“For I have chosen him (Abraham), so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him” (Genesis 18:19). Righteousness and justice…social justice! This word pair becomes a way of summarizing the requirements and stipulations of the covenant, which are an expression of the character of God.

However, Abraham, Moses and King David were not the faithful covenant partners. God was faithful, but they were not. So, God spoke through Isaiah the prophet in this way:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

These words were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the faithful covenant partner. To conclude, righteousness and justice – social justice – are not government-given and they cannot be government-driven. Social justice only comes as a gift of God through a covenant relationship with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Why look to government to provide what it cannot provide and to deliver what it cannot deliver? To rely on government is both foolish and fraudulent.