Topical Bible: Pardon: Expressed by Blotting out Sin

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In the biblical context, the concept of pardon is intricately linked to the idea of blotting out sin. This metaphorical expression signifies the complete removal or erasure of sin from the record of an individual's life, highlighting the depth of God's mercy and forgiveness. The imagery of blotting out is used throughout Scripture to convey the thoroughness with which God forgives and forgets the sins of those who repent and turn to Him.

Old Testament References

The notion of blotting out sin is vividly portrayed in the Old Testament. In Isaiah 43:25, God declares, "I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more." This passage emphasizes that it is God Himself who takes the initiative to erase the sins of His people, doing so for His own sake, underscoring His sovereign grace and mercy.

Similarly, in Psalm 51:1-2, David pleads with God for mercy, saying, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." Here, the psalmist acknowledges his sinfulness and appeals to God's steadfast love and compassion to remove his sins completely.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament continues this theme, presenting the ultimate fulfillment of the blotting out of sin through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. In Acts 3:19, Peter exhorts the people, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." The call to repentance is coupled with the promise of sins being wiped away, indicating a fresh start and renewal through Christ.

Colossians 2:13-14 further elaborates on this concept: "When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses, having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross." The imagery of canceling a debt and nailing it to the cross underscores the completeness of the pardon offered through Jesus' sacrifice.

Theological Implications

The act of blotting out sin is not merely a legal transaction but a profound expression of God's love and grace. It signifies the restoration of a broken relationship between humanity and the divine. The removal of sin's stain allows believers to stand righteous before God, not by their own merit, but through the righteousness imputed to them by faith in Christ.

This concept also highlights the transformative power of God's forgiveness. As sins are blotted out, believers are called to live in the newness of life, empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in obedience and holiness. The assurance of pardon provides both comfort and motivation for believers to pursue a life that reflects the character of Christ.

Practical Application

Understanding pardon as the blotting out of sin encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is willing and able to forgive. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and the need to continually seek God's grace in overcoming sin. As recipients of such profound mercy, Christians are called to extend forgiveness to others, reflecting the heart of God in their relationships.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of pardon as the blotting out of sin is a powerful testament to God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ. It assures believers of their forgiven status and calls them to live in the freedom and joy of that forgiveness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 3:19
Repent you therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out ...
... covering of sin, pardoning of debts, blotting out of sins ... as thy cautioner, conform
to the manner expressed in the ... as I find no intimation of pardon, I cannot ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter viii how to make.htm

The Investigative Judgment.
... overcome, every word of tender pity expressed, is faithfully ... for His people not only
pardon and justification ... the work of investigation and blotting out of sins ...
/.../28 the investigative judgment.htm

Facing Life's Record
... overcome, every word of tender pity expressed, is faithfully ... for His people not only
pardon and justification ... the work of investigation and blotting out of sins ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 28 facing lifes record.htm

Psalm LI.
... remembrance of them, [1854] not by "blotting out their sins ... Though then thou still
implore pardon, yet thou art ... The Latin translator hath expressed, though by a ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm li.htm

Acts III
... The pardon of sins and the gift of the Holy ... after the same three, somewhat differently
expressed"ie, repentance ... turning to the Lord, and blotting out of sins ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts iii.htm

Article xii (V): of Repentance.
... are two parts, the handwriting and the blotting out of the ... through His name, could
not be expressed more clearly ... pardoned, but so as to expect pardon as from ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 15 article xii v .htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... his guilt in transgression, and expressed his desire ... behalf of penitent believers,
secured their pardon and acceptance ... by the removal, or blotting out, of the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... his guilt in transgression, and expressed his desire ... behalf of penitent believers,
secured their pardon and acceptance ... by the removal, or blotting out, of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.htm

On the Trinity. Book i. When I was Seeking an Employment Adequate ...
... Him, having forgiven you all your sins, blotting out the bond ... of will and mind, not
of Divinity, is expressed. ... was involved a prayer for the pardon of others ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/on the trinity book i.htm

The Doctrine of Jesus Christ.
... say, that God's dealings with mankind are expressed in a ... race of men in mercy, and
pardon their sins ... Col.2:14""Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of jesus christ.htm