Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature of PardonPardon, in the biblical context, refers to the act of forgiving or being forgiven for sins and transgressions. It is a divine act of grace whereby God absolves sinners, restoring them to a state of righteousness and fellowship with Him. This pardon is not earned by human effort but is a gift of God's mercy and love, made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Biblical Foundation The concept of pardon is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is portrayed as an essential aspect of God's redemptive plan. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "salah" is often used to denote forgiveness or pardon, as seen in passages like Psalm 103:3, "He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases." The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the role of Jesus Christ in securing pardon for believers. Ephesians 1:7 states, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." Pardon Through Christ Central to the Christian understanding of pardon is the atoning work of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross is the means by which God can justly forgive sins. Romans 5:8-9 declares, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!" This pardon is available to all who repent and place their faith in Christ, as affirmed in Acts 10:43, "All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name." The Experience of Pardon by Saints All saints, or believers, enjoy the assurance of pardon as a present reality and a future hope. This assurance is grounded in the promises of God and the finished work of Christ. 1 John 1:9 provides a clear promise: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The experience of pardon brings peace, joy, and a renewed relationship with God, as described in Romans 5:1, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." The Transformative Power of Pardon Pardon is not merely a legal declaration but a transformative experience that leads to sanctification and a life of holiness. Those who have received pardon are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling, as seen in Ephesians 4:1, "I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received." The knowledge of being pardoned motivates believers to extend forgiveness to others, reflecting the character of Christ. Colossians 3:13 exhorts, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Eternal Implications The pardon enjoyed by saints has eternal implications, securing their place in the presence of God. Revelation 21:27 assures that nothing impure will enter the New Jerusalem, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life, signifying the ultimate pardon and acceptance into eternal glory. This eternal perspective encourages believers to persevere in faith, knowing that their pardon is secure in Christ. In summary, pardon is a profound gift of God's grace, fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is a present reality for all saints, transforming their lives and securing their eternal destiny. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 2:13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 2:12 Library The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth. Behold all Ye that Kindle a Fire, that Compass Yourselves About ... How no one Can be Continually Intent Upon that Highest Good. The Spirit of Supplication The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom Luther's Separation from Rome. Luther's Separation from Rome That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to ... The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ... Of the Modes of Supplementing Satisfaction --viz. Indulgences and ... Resources What does it mean that God speaks in a still small voice? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is penitence? What does the Bible say about penitence? | GotQuestions.org What is the danger/consequence of unconfessed sin? | GotQuestions.org Pardon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pardon is Granted by God Alone Pardon is Granted for the Name's Sake of Christ Pardon is Granted: According to the Riches of Grace Pardon is Granted: On the Exaltation of Christ Pardon is Granted: Through Christ Pardon is Granted: Through the Blood of Christ Pardon is Granted: To Those Who Believe Pardon is Granted: To Those Who Confess Their Sins Pardon is Granted: To Those Who Repent Pardon: Encouragement to Pray For Pardon: Exhibits The: Compassion of God Pardon: Exhibits The: Faithfulness of God Pardon: Exhibits The: Forbearance of God Pardon: Exhibits The: Goodness of God Pardon: Exhibits The: Grace of God Pardon: Exhibits The: Justice of God Pardon: Exhibits The: Loving-Kindness of God Pardon: Exhibits The: Mercy of God Pardon: Expressed by Blotting out Sin Pardon: Expressed by Blotting out Transgression Pardon: Expressed by Casting Sins Into the Sea Pardon: Expressed by Covering Sin Pardon: Expressed by Forgiving Transgression Pardon: Expressed by not Imputing Sin Pardon: Expressed by not Mentioning Transgression Pardon: Expressed by Remembering Sins No More Pardon: Expressed by Removing Transgression Pardon: Legal Sacrifices, Ineffectual For Pardon: Ministers are Appointed to Proclaim Pardon: None Without Shedding of Blood Pardon: Outward Purifications, Ineffectual For Pardon: Pray for for Yourselves Pardon: should be Preached in the Name of Christ Pardon: should Lead to Fearing God Pardon: should Lead to Loving God Pardon: should Lead to Praising God Pardon: should Lead to Returning to God Pardon: The Blood of Christ, Alone, is Efficacious For Pardon: Withheld From: Apostates Pardon: Withheld From: Blasphemers Against the Holy Spirit Pardon: Withheld From: The Impenitent Pardon: Withheld From: The Unbelieving Pardon: Withheld From: The Unforgiving Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) Lovingkindness (176 Occurrences) Loving-kindness (150 Occurrences) Transgressions (64 Occurrences) |