The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just/fair. Deuteronomy 32:4a
Have you ever thought that God is unfair? Many folks have a big problem with this issue. Since none of us are God, there are many questions that we will never have answers for this side of heaven. We all need to come to the conclusion that life is not fair, but God is gracious and fair.
In Ezekiel 18:25-29, the nation of Israel was insistent that “the way of the Lord is NOT right.” However, God replied that His ways indeed are fair/right while their ways definitely were not. Who would you believe? Israel was perplexed that God would actually forgive and let live wicked sinners after they repent and turn to Him. On top of that when formerly righteous and good people revert toward sin and rebellion against God, they would be punished and even suffer death in some cases. “Unfair!!” or is it?
If God only acted on the basis of fairness and justice, how many of us would be forgiven of our sins? You got it right – none of us as we have ALL sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Furthermore, the wages we all deserve for a life of sin is eternal death or spiritual separation from God in hell (Romans 6:23). So praise the Lord! He is gracious and merciful when we repent, turn from our sins and trust in Jesus Christ alone (John 3:16; 14:6) for forgiveness and eternal life.
In Jesus’ parable, the elder brother thought his father was not fair/right in forgiving his prodigal brother. He, like the Pharisees and Ezekiel’s Israel, thought God owed them for being righteous. They all were inwardly sinful and in just as much need of forgiveness as the wayward son (Luke 15:11-32). Praise God that He is fair! Anyone and everyone who comes to Him for forgiveness will never be cast out, rejected or sent away empty-handed (John 6:37).
Bob Kulp