Retribution theology is basically the idea that you get what you deserve. God sees to it that the good people get good things in life, and the bad people get bad things. God punishes people in this world in direct response to their actions. Retribution theology says, for example, if you get cancer, it’s a sign that God is punishing you for something bad you’ve done. If your business prospers, it’s a sign that God is pleased with you. Retribution theology is thus an overly simplistic interpretation of life events that makes assumptions about God’s intentions.
The Bible certainly teaches the concept of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7). God will take vengeance on evildoers some day (Micah 5:15; Matthew 3:7).
Retribution theology is taught just the opposite in Scripture. All three of Job’s friends were wrong about Job and wrong about God (Job 42:7). On the other hand, the Bible proves that the people of Jesus’s day believed in this theory, because of the blind man’s family. (John 9:2). Such a question shows an underlying belief in retribution theology—either the man or his parents were being punished for some wrongdoing. Jesus’ answer quashes that notion: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned” (verse 3). God had purposes in the man’s blindness other than punishing sin.
One day, God will judge the world in righteousness and perfect justice. Retribution is coming (Revelation 22:12). Until that day, we are careful not to assume God’s blessing or judgment on individuals based on their external circumstances. We trust the Judge of all the earth to always do what’s right (Genesis 18:25).
