Topical Encyclopedia Pardon, in the biblical context, is a profound demonstration of God's goodness and mercy towards humanity. It is the act of forgiving or being forgiven for an offense, sin, or transgression, and it is a central theme throughout the Scriptures. The concept of pardon is deeply intertwined with God's character, showcasing His willingness to forgive and restore those who turn to Him in repentance.Divine Nature of Pardon The goodness of God is vividly displayed in His readiness to pardon. In Exodus 34:6-7, God reveals His nature 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 inherent goodness and His desire to forgive, which is a cornerstone of His relationship with His people. Pardon Through Repentance The Bible consistently teaches that God's pardon is available to those who repent. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God promises, "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." This verse underscores the conditional nature of divine pardon, which requires a genuine turning away from sin and a heartfelt seeking of God's face. Pardon and Redemption The ultimate expression of God's goodness through pardon is found in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 1:7, Paul writes, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." The sacrificial death of Christ on the cross is the means by which God extends His pardon to humanity, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe. Pardon as a Reflection of God's Love God's willingness to pardon is a reflection of His boundless love. Psalm 86:5 declares, "For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving, rich in loving devotion to all who call on You." This verse emphasizes that God's pardon is not limited or grudging but is an abundant expression of His loving nature towards those who seek Him. Pardon and Restoration The goodness of God in pardon is also seen in the restoration that follows forgiveness. In Isaiah 1:18, God invites, "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." This promise of cleansing and renewal illustrates the transformative power of God's pardon, which not only forgives but also restores the sinner to a state of purity and righteousness. Pardon in the Life of Believers Believers are called to emulate God's goodness by extending pardon to others. In Colossians 3:13, Paul instructs, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This call to forgive reflects the believer's response to the divine pardon they have received, demonstrating God's goodness through their own actions. Conclusion The concept of pardon in the Bible is a profound testament to the goodness of God. Through His willingness to forgive, God reveals His compassionate and loving nature, offering redemption and restoration to all who seek Him. The divine pardon is not only a gift to be received but also a model for believers to follow, reflecting God's goodness in their own lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 30:18For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 86:5 Library What God is to Us. On the Nature of God Letter v. Prayer and Fasting. Letter xxvii. (AD 395. ) Absolution. The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ... The Blood-Shedding Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties. Enthusiasm. From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ... Resources What are the 95 Theses of Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about guilt? | GotQuestions.org Since God withholds forgiveness, can we? | 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) |