Can God's justice be reduced to a single formula like the retribution principle?

God's justice cannot be confined to a single formula such as the retribution principle because it is far more complex and multifaceted. The retribution principle, while rooted in the idea that good is rewarded and evil is punished, does not encompass the entirety of God's justice as presented in the Old Testament. God's justice reflects His character and involves mercy, grace, forgiveness, and restoration, which cannot always be quantified or applied uniformly.

The narratives throughout the Old Testament reveal that God's judgments are often situational and based on a variety of factors, including individual circumstances, repentance, and His greater plan for humanity. For instance, the story of Jonah illustrates how God’s mercy extended to the people of Nineveh when they repented, highlighting that justice can manifest differently depending on the context.

In addition, the prophetic literature emphasizes social justice, righteousness, and the call for Israel to act justly, indicating that God's expectations of justice include relational aspects that go beyond simple cause-and-effect relationships. Thus, attempting to reduce God's justice to a straightforward formula neglects the richness and depth of how God interacts with humanity and the world.