Written by: Bible Society South Africa
Article source: JOY! Magazine
On Saturday, 6 June, the Bible Society of South Africa’s CEO, Rev Dirk Gevers, hosted the Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, the Honourable Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, who delivered an exceptional address on the topic Justice through the lens of the Bible. The Chief Justice had originally agreed to address delegates from around the world who would have visited Cape Town for an annual United Bible Societies conference, but the Covid-19 pandemic had put paid to that. However, by God’s providence, thousands of people had been able to hear this remarkable address as it was done virtually on the Bible Society’s Facebook page.
Passion for God’s Word
Amid heightened anticipation, the Chief Justice’s passion for the both the Word and justice quickly became evident. He emphatically stated that, “The Bible is also at the centre of any form of real justice we can think about.” Quoting passages from various books of the Bible, the Chief Justice proceeded to expound how justice through the lens of the Bible rested on pillars underpinned by the godly principles of love, truth, peace, mercy, and generosity, the very qualities of God Himself.
Defining the justice system
In defining the justice system, he said, “It is important that the fundamental principles that are in the Bible are embraced because there is no genuine justice system that would conflict with these principles.” Considering the context and basis of the administration of justice, he emphasised the point that, “The legal principles insist on mercy being factored into the administration of justice, restoration – whatever has been lost must be bought back.”
“Love is central to justice, and we must ask the Lord always to give us the wisdom, the ability to judge.”
Biblical justice isn’t always possible
Honourable Mogoeng explained how it was not always possible, in some instances, to make judgements in a way that was consistent with the Bible. “It is important though, to appreciate that although the Bible and the God-kind of justice is the ideal justice, it is not always possible in our different countries to act in line with the Bible.” He expounded, “The Constitution you allow in your country is going to determine the kind of justice that you get.” Critically for us as citizens, it means we have some responsibility to ensure that amendments to the law are in line with godly principles. He also touched on the qualities that define a judge, that proper training should be given and this undergirded by love. The Bible proclaims that God is love. The Chief Justice reiterated, “Love is central to justice, and we must ask the Lord always to give us the wisdom, the ability to judge.” As South Africans, we can also contribute by praying in this regard.
A man who won’t compromise
A true man of God, he concluded with words that echoed the sentiments first expressed by Esther, “If I perish, I perish, but I will not compromise on justice.” We are tremendously blessed as a nation to have a man of such calibre and integrity, and who seeks to uphold the standard of the Bible in such a way, at the helm of one of the arms of the State.
Bible Society promotes the relevance of the Bible
The Bible Society of South Africa thus is equally elated that in celebrating the importance of the Word, that we advocate for the relevance of the Bible to each and every person who needs this book of life that is filled with good news.
Rev Dirk Gevers
Click here to KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE weekly newsletter.
Date published: 08/07/2020
DISCLAIMER
JOY! News is a Christian news portal that shares pre-published articles by writers around the world. Each article is sourced and linked to the origin, and each article is credited with the author’s name. Although we do publish many articles that have been written in-house by JOY! journalists, we do not exclusively create our own content. Any views or opinions presented on this website are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.
Absolutely NOOOO!!!!