In the writings of Ellen White, the concepts of divine justice and mercy are not contradictory but are perfectly united in the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The cross is presented as the ultimate demonstration of God's character, where His unwavering justice against sin and His infinite love for sinners meet. Here are some key points on this topic from her books: * **Justice and Mercy United in Christ:** Ellen White explains that Satan's goal was to misrepresent God's character by separating His justice from His mercy. Christ's mission was to show they are inseparable. > "God's love has been expressed in His justice no less than in His mercy. Justice is the foundation of His throne, and the fruit of His love. It had been Satan's purpose to divorce mercy from truth and justice. He sought to prove that the righteousness of God's law is an enemy to peace. But Christ shows that in God's plan they are indissolubly joined together; the one cannot exist without the other. 'Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.' Psalm 85:10." (DA 762.3) * **The Cross Reveals Both Justice and Forgiveness:** The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is portrayed as the perfect expression of God's justice, which demands a penalty for sin, and His mercy, which provides a way for forgiveness. > "In the cross we may read his tender mercy and forgiveness, harmoniously combined with his stern, unwavering justice." (3SP 186.2) * **The Atonement Vindicates God's Law:** Through the plan of salvation, God's law is upheld and His justice is satisfied, allowing Him to be both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus. > "God's law stands fully vindicated. He is just, and yet the justifier of all who believe in Jesus. Nothing less than this plan of atonement could convince the whole universe of God's justice." (4SP 323.2) * **The Danger of Underestimating Divine Justice:** It is noted that diminishing the importance of God's justice leads to a devaluing of the grace and atonement offered through Christ. > "From the habit of underrating the divine law and justice, the extent and demerit of human disobedience, men easily slide into the habit of underestimating the grace which has provided an atonement for sin.” Thus the gospel loses its value and importance in the minds of men, and soon they are ready practically to cast aside the Bible itself." (GC 465.3) In summary, Jesus's role was to bear the penalty that divine justice required for sin, thereby satisfying the claims of God's holy law while simultaneously revealing the depths of God's mercy and love for humanity.