Rules can be changed in order to reach an equitable judgment for the parties involved. We’ve all heard it said, “They’ve reached an equitable solution to the problem.” This means that even though the judgment may not be considered entirely fair, it is satisfactory to both sides.

Now there’s no question that freely receiving forgiveness for our sins through God’s grace is equitable for us, but how could it be just and equitable for Him? Well, the most obvious answer to that question is “because He said so”—that is, God’s mercy eclipses what otherwise would be reasonable and expected. There’s no question that forgiveness of our sin is a gift of God’s mercy, freely held out to us through the promise of the gospel. But there’s something more to the justice of God than merely “because I said so.” There’s an answer to that–next time!