Justice (19) - Equality

The modern practice is to equate justice with equality. I think the idea came originally from Aristotle. People assume that justice will result in equal outcomes for everyone. This is not true. True just results in different outcomes. The unrighteous person is exposed and forced to make restitution. The person suffering the injustice is vindicated and their situation is restored. Thus, true justice improves the situation of the righteous person and harms the situation of the person who committed the unjust act.

God is the perfect judge, but his the final judgment will not produce equality. The parables of talents and minas suggest that people will receive different rewards (Matt 25:14-30: Luke 19:11-26). The parable of the rich man and Lazarus show that true justice results in different outcomes (Luke 16:19-31).

Even those with faith in Jesus will receive different rewards when they stand before Jesus.

But each one should be careful how he builds…... If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames (1 Cor 3:10-15).

True justice produces just outcomes for all, not equal outcomes.