Why is God so mean?

Question
Deuteronomy 22 speaks about a law to stone a newly married woman to death is she's not a virgin. Why is God so mean?
Answer

God is not mean. But he is righteous and just (Psa. 7:11; 145:17-21). He absolutely and fully hates all sin (Psa. 5:5; 11:5; Prov. 6:16-19; 8:13; 15:9; Rom. 6:23, etc.).

Look at all of what we're told about this newly married woman in Deuteronomy 22. She was a liar (Deut. 22:14, 20), a whore who had done an outrageous and greatly evil thing before all Israel (Deut. 22:21). So, a holy, just and good God must act (Rom. 7:12).

In many of today's cultures, a woman's or man's virginity is not considered that big of deal. However, before God it's still a very big deal, and always will be. Fornication (1 Cor. 6:18-20) and adultery (Exod. 20:14; Matt. 5:27-28) are still considered sexual sins (Heb. 13:4) and are still worthy of death — eternal death (Rev. 21:8). While the Mosaic Law is essentially no longer in effect the way it was in Moses' day — and therefore we should not be stoning anyone — God's law of sexual purity abides forever as does his wrath (John 3:36).

But forgiveness can be found in the Lord Jesus Christ!

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Answer by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr.

Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).