Topical Encyclopedia The concept of pardon in the Bible is deeply intertwined with the forbearance of God, reflecting His patience and willingness to forgive human transgressions. This divine attribute is a cornerstone of the relationship between God and humanity, illustrating His enduring mercy and grace.Divine Forbearance in the Old Testament The Old Testament provides numerous examples of God's forbearance, often in the context of His covenant relationship with Israel. Despite Israel's repeated disobedience and idolatry, God demonstrates patience and a willingness to forgive. In Exodus 34:6-7, God reveals His character to Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin." This passage highlights God's readiness to pardon, underscoring His forbearance as an integral aspect of His nature. The account of Jonah and Nineveh further illustrates God's forbearance. Despite Nineveh's wickedness, God sends Jonah to warn the city of impending judgment. When the people of Nineveh repent, God relents from sending disaster, demonstrating His willingness to forgive those who turn from their sinful ways (Jonah 3:10). Forbearance in the New Testament In the New Testament, the forbearance of God is exemplified through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies God's patience and mercy, offering forgiveness to sinners and teaching His followers to do likewise. In Matthew 18:21-22, when Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him, Jesus responds, "I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!" This teaching emphasizes the boundless nature of divine forgiveness and the expectation that believers should mirror this attribute. The Apostle Paul also speaks of God's forbearance in his letters. In Romans 2:4, Paul writes, "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" Here, Paul underscores that God's patience is intended to lead individuals to repentance, highlighting the purpose behind His forbearance. Theological Implications The forbearance of God, as demonstrated through His willingness to pardon, is a profound expression of His love and grace. It reveals a God who is not quick to anger but instead offers opportunities for repentance and reconciliation. This divine patience is not to be mistaken for indifference to sin; rather, it is a testament to God's desire for all to come to repentance and experience His forgiveness. In summary, the concept of pardon in the Bible is a testament to the forbearance of God, showcasing His enduring patience and mercy towards humanity. Through both the Old and New Testaments, God's willingness to forgive is a central theme, inviting believers to embrace His grace and extend forgiveness to others. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 3:25Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Do are Then Make Void the Law through Faith? God Forbid; Yea, we ... Rom. Iii. 18-Sep Scriptural Types. 1 Cor. xvi. 10 The Demoniac Boy The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ... Rom. Iv. 1, 2 A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians Memoir of John Bunyan 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) |