Micah 7:18 Who is a God like to you, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage?… How is God magnified in pardoning sin? I. IN THE PARDON OF SIN, WE SEE A MANIFESTATION OF THE DIVINE SOVEREIGNITY. It is the prerogative of God to give law. It is equally, and on the same grounds, the prerogative of God to forgive the breach of law. Hence the Jews accused Christ of blasphemy, etc. Human forgiveness does not affect guilt. Divine majesty appears, then, in forgiving. II. IN THE PARDON OF SIN, WE SEE A MANIFESTATION OF MARVELLOUS FORBEARANCE. Sin denies God's propriety in us. It disclaims His authority as a Ruler. It denies the perfection of His character as a standard. Hence it sets aside His Godhead and Being. It wars with and injures all that are His. III. IN THE PARDON OF SIN, WE SEE A GLORIOUS MANIFESTATION OF MERCY. 1. Consider from whence man had fallen, and there was nothing to awaken compassion. 2. Consider him as fallen, and there was seemingly nothing to provoke commiseration. There is — (1) Hatred of God. (2) Active hostility. (3) Contempt of pardon. IV. IN THE PARDON OF SIN, THERE IS A BRIGHT DISPLAY OF THE INFINITE LOVE OF GOD. In order that sin might be pardoned, God gave His Son to suffer and die. We cannot apply this measure of God's love. The love, however, like the gift, must be infinite. V. IN THE PARDON OF SIN, THERE IS A TERRIBLE AND STRIKING PROCLAMATION OF THE JUSTICE OF GOD. Justice pronounces the pardon of sin. And it is justified in doing so. He who sings of pardon, sings of mercy and judgment. VI. IN THE PARDON OF SIN, THERE IS AN UNEQUALLED DISPLAY OF THE UNSEARCHABLE WISDOM OF GOD. Seen in reconciling what seemed necessarily and eternally at variance. Not only is man's salvation made consistent with God's glory, but God is glorified thereby. Apply — (1) Seek for pardon as a sovereign gift. (2) As a mighty gift. (3) For God's name's sake. (4) Through the only channel in which it can be attained. (5) Being pardoned, praise God. (J. Stewart.) Parallel Verses KJV: Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. |
    |