Even as faithful Christians, we may often wonder if God really knows what He's doing. His commands seem strange, and His punishments seem harsh. A lifetime of suffering followed by death followed by Hell. Isn't this a bit extreme?
Not when you consider it from even just our own perspective. Every good law has an appropriate penalty for breaking it. Kill someone, life imprisonment (or death in some places). Steal something, time in jail. Even failing to pick up dog poop results in a fine, which in some cases is higher than the price of the dog. Justice requires punishing the unjust, and even we, as sinners, understand that. How much more should a just and Holy God understand the concept of punishing the guilty?
Furthermore, does the appropriate penalty not rise with the status of the offended party? Lie to your kids, that may even be considered "good" by some people (think Santa Claus). Lie to your spouse, you goofed. Lie to your employer, you might not have a job much longer. Lie to the government, you're going to jail. Lie to God? God is infinitely higher than any of these, both in status and in dignity. When you offend the infinite, only an infinite penalty is appropriate.
That's what makes grace so much more amazing. God not only had the right to punish us, but actually the obligation. But rather than do so, He granted us a grace period. Jesus paid our price, we get to live long enough to receive, and even spread His Gospel, then we inherit eternal life. God is more than just just. God is... God.
Recommended song: Wolves at the Gate - Dead Man