An Examination Through Biblical Lenses

The Presence of Tragedy and the Problem of Unfairness in Human Experience

The tragic events involving school shootings such as the Columbine High School massacre in 1999, the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in 2012, and the Robb Elementary School shooting in 2022 illustrate the harrowing reality of senseless violence and suffering. These incidents reflect the deep unfairness that plagues human existence. Such extreme violence and loss force us to question the source of this perceived injustice in the world. The existence of unfairness—whether observed in acts of violence, poverty, or social inequality—leads many to ponder why such suffering is allowed and what role, if any, God has in this.

Biblical Perspective on Fairness: God’s Just Nature

In addressing the issue of unfairness, we must first recognize the foundation of divine justice as presented in Scripture. Leviticus 19:15 states, “You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.” This directive embodies God’s view of fairness, establishing that judgment must be unbiased and anchored in righteousness.

Deuteronomy 32:4 reinforces this understanding: “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are just. A God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is he.” The use of the term “Rock” underscores Jehovah’s steadfastness and reliability. The verse illustrates that while human standards of justice may falter, Jehovah embodies perfect justice, balancing righteousness, wisdom, love, and power.

The Role of Human Rebellion in the Genesis of Unfairness

Unfairness in the world can be traced back to human rebellion, as depicted in Genesis. The divine command given to Adam, “but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:17), was an unambiguous boundary set by God. However, the narrative in Genesis 3:4-5 recounts how Satan, represented by the serpent, persuaded Eve with the words, “You shall not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

This act of disobedience, spurred by deception, led to humanity’s separation from God and the entrance of sin and its consequences into the world. Genesis 3:24 illustrates the aftermath: “So he drove the man out, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.” This vivid image symbolizes humanity’s lost state and the barriers to eternal life due to sin.

The Origin of Deception: Satan as the Catalyst

John 8:44 provides insight into Satan’s character: “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. That one was a manslayer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” The description of Satan as the “father of lies” points directly to his role in deceiving humanity and sowing seeds of unfairness and suffering.

Revelation 12:9 further supports this: “And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” This passage underscores Satan’s pervasive influence and his role as the deceiver responsible for misleading humanity throughout history.

Unfairness in the Present Age: The Influence of the Last Days

The Bible foretells difficult times during the last days. Revelation 12:12 declares, “Woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows he has a short time.” The increased activity of Satan as his time shortens is a key factor in the escalating unfairness and turmoil seen in the world. Daniel 12:4 echoes this theme, stating that in the time of the end, “many will go to and fro, and knowledge will increase,” indicating a time of unprecedented activity and the rapid spread of information—often accompanied by the increase in human conflict and challenges.

Paul’s warning in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 characterizes the last days as perilous: “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy…” These attributes paint a picture of a society marked by selfishness and moral decay. Such conditions inevitably foster environments where unfairness and suffering thrive.

The Promise of Divine Justice and Restoration

Despite the current state of the world, the Scriptures offer hope for future restoration. Romans 16:20 provides reassurance: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” This verse points to the ultimate victory over the source of deception and unfairness, promising the end of Satan’s influence.

Isaiah’s prophecies are rich with visions of fairness restored. Isaiah 2:2-4 speaks of a time when “the mountain of the house of Jehovah will be established on the top of the mountains… and all the nations will stream to it.” This prophecy foresees a future where divine justice prevails, military conflicts cease, and nations turn their weapons into tools for peace: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”

Isaiah 11:3-5 further elaborates on this vision: “He will not judge by what his eyes see, nor make a decision by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with fairness for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.” This description highlights the perfect and impartial judgment that will characterize Jehovah’s reign through His appointed King.

The Nature of the Coming Kingdom and Its Fairness

Isaiah 65:20-23 presents an idyllic picture of life under the reign of the Messiah: “No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days… They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.” This prophecy emphasizes the fairness and equity that will be established when God’s kingdom comes to full realization. It promises that labor will not be in vain, and all people will enjoy the fruits of their work.

Psalm 37:7-11 offers further assurance to those seeking fairness: “Be still before Jehovah and wait patiently for him; do not fret because of the one who prospers in his way… For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for Jehovah shall inherit the land.” The psalmist’s words encourage patience and trust in Jehovah’s ultimate justice, reminding believers that fairness will be restored and that the wicked will not have the last word.

The Final Triumph Over Suffering and Unfairness

Revelation 21:3-4 encapsulates the ultimate hope for humanity: “And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and he will dwell among them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be among them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’” This vision of the new heaven and new earth presents a future where unfairness and suffering are eradicated, replaced by a perfect existence in communion with Jehovah.

The resurrection described by Jesus in John 5:28-29 offers another dimension to this hope: “An hour is coming when all who are in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good things to a resurrection of life, and those who have practiced wicked things to the resurrection of judgment.” This promise assures believers that death and injustice will not have the final victory. Instead, all will be judged fairly, and life will be restored to those who align themselves with God’s will.

Regeneration: A Pathway from Death to Life

John 5:24 speaks to the believer’s present hope: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” The concept of regeneration reflects this transition from spiritual death to life, emphasizing a transformative relationship with God. Titus 3:5 further clarifies, “He saved us, not by deeds of righteousness that we have done, but because of his mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” This renewal begins the journey toward living in alignment with divine justice and fairness, preparing believers for life in God’s kingdom.

Conclusion of Fairness in God’s Plan

God’s plan for humanity has always been one of fairness and justice. Although the world today is filled with injustice and suffering due to sin and Satan’s influence, Jehovah’s Word assures us that fairness will be restored. Isaiah’s prophecies, the words of Jesus, and the visions in Revelation all confirm that God’s kingdom will bring an end to all unfairness. True justice, grounded in God’s attributes, will be the foundation of the new world where righteousness prevails.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).

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