Christopher Price

“Some people think that if you believe in God’s judgment, it may lead to violence because you might try to act it out yourself, as some have done. But I want to say clearly that believing in the doctrine [or having a proper understanding] of God’s judgment does not lead to violence; not believing in it enough is what leads to violence. Because if I do not believe that God has it under control and that he will make all things right in the end, I will be tempted to take matters into my own hand, to seek vengeance, to repay crime for crime. But if I believe that God will judge in the end–He will make all things right–it takes the sword out of my hands and puts it in the hands of God where it rightfully belongs. For He alone can judge with complete justice. The NT picks up on this theme. Paul in Rom 12:19 says, ‘Do not repay evil with evil, but leave room for the wrath of God; vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’”