Topical Bible: Pardon: Expressed by Covering Sin

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In the biblical context, the concept of pardon is intricately linked to the idea of covering sin. This notion is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of God's mercy and forgiveness, as well as the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament. The act of covering sin signifies the removal or overlooking of transgressions, allowing for reconciliation between humanity and God.

Old Testament Foundations

The Hebrew word often associated with covering sin is "kaphar," which is frequently translated as "to atone" or "to cover." This term is foundational in understanding the sacrificial system instituted by God for the Israelites. In Leviticus 16, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is described, where the high priest would make atonement for the people by offering sacrifices. Leviticus 16:30 states, "because on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD." Here, the covering of sin is achieved through the blood of the sacrifice, symbolizing the removal of guilt and the restoration of fellowship with God.

The Psalms also reflect this theme of covering sin. Psalm 32:1 declares, "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." This verse highlights the blessedness and joy of those who have experienced God's pardon, emphasizing the relief and peace that come from having one's sins covered.

Prophetic Insights

The prophets further develop the theme of pardon through covering sin. Isaiah 1:18 offers a vivid picture of divine forgiveness: "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 imagery conveys the transformative power of God's pardon, where the stain of sin is completely covered and cleansed.

Micah 7:18-19 also speaks to God's unique ability to pardon: "Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion. He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." Here, the covering of sin is portrayed as an act of divine compassion and love, where God chooses to overlook and remove the sins of His people.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of covering sin reaches its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament finds its ultimate expression in the atoning death of Christ. Hebrews 9:26 states, "But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself." Through His sacrifice, Jesus covers the sins of humanity, offering complete and eternal pardon.

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 4:7-8 , echoes the psalmist's declaration of blessedness: "Blessed are those whose lawless acts are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him." This passage underscores the assurance of pardon for those who are in Christ, as their sins are covered and no longer held against them.

Practical Implications

The covering of sin through divine pardon has profound implications for believers. It calls for a response of gratitude, humility, and a commitment to live in accordance with God's will. The assurance of pardon encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that their sins are covered by the blood of Christ. Furthermore, it serves as a model for interpersonal relationships, where believers are called to forgive and cover the sins of others, reflecting the grace they have received from God.

In summary, the biblical concept of pardon as expressed by covering sin is a testament to God's mercy and love. It is a central theme that runs throughout Scripture, culminating in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who provides the ultimate covering for sin and offers eternal reconciliation with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 32:1
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Tears of the Penitent.
... in every devout life, and may well be expressed side by ... He cries for pardon, but
he gives his back to the ... of a burden off his back; and as the "covering" of sin ...
/.../maclaren/the life of david/xiii the tears of the penitent.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... Here are the practices and designs of wicked men expressed in their own ... God's glory
is to pardon. ... If both these join not, it is but a covering and hiding of sin ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11
... He was required to wear a covering over his mouth and to ... and the results; and further,
he expressed his claim of divine power to pronounce pardon and to ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the second period chs.htm

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

"That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us,"
... had not found out a way of free pardon of the ... You have the great end of redemption
expressed, Luke 1 ... righteousness of Christ's, and go under the covering of it ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv that the righteousness.htm

The Sick of the Palsy
... and light rafters by which all this covering was supported. ... So then, pardon does
not lie concealed and doubtful ... We then saw that this word expressed the direct ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 2 1-12 the sick of.htm

"Wash You, Make You Clean, Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from ...
... Sinai, with terror, that which ye hear expressed is not ... all our sins, to spread the
covering of Christ's ... would love Christ's blood well to pardon sin, but who ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon x wash you make.htm

Atonement.
... law requires disinterested benevolence, and is all expressed in one ... public justice
cannot consent to the pardon of sin ... It is a covering of their sins by his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xxv atonement.htm

"And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up ...
... therefore, if there be a prayer for pardon of guilt ... have been of a long time a covering
of his ... that great troubles and afflictions are so expressed, "Thou didst ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii and there is.htm

The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death.
... The veil of the covering spread over their designs and ... He offers pardon and peace
to the chief of sinners ... But the design of family institution expressed in the ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xx the fear which.htm