Biblical Answer

Understanding the Objection of Unfairness

The objection of unfairness arises when people question why God would save some people and not others. This objection is often based on the assumption that God's actions are unjust or unfair because they do not align with human expectations of justice. However, this objection overlooks the fact that human notions of fairness and justice are often subjective and based on personal preferences. As the Bible notes, "the behaviour we call bad or unfair is not exactly the same as the behaviour we find inconvenient, and may even be the opposite."

The Analogy of the Vineyard Owner

The Bible provides an analogy in the parable of the vineyard owner to illustrate the concept of fairness and justice. In this parable, the owner pays different workers different amounts of money for their work, with those hired later receiving more pay than those hired earlier. The workers who were hired earlier complained about this seeming injustice, but the master replied, "Didnt you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?" (Matthew 20:13-15). This parable highlights the idea that fairness and justice are not always about equal treatment, but about the owner's right to do what he wants with his property.

The Concept of Sovereignty

The objection of unfairness also overlooks the concept of God's sovereignty. As the Bible teaches, God is the creator and sustainer of all things, and He has the right to do what He wants with His creation. The Bible says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9). This means that God's actions are not bound by human notions of fairness and justice, but are guided by His own wisdom and purposes. Therefore, we must trust in God's sovereignty and accept that His ways are higher than our ways.