Topical Encyclopedia Pardon, in the biblical context, refers to the act of forgiving transgressions, sins, or offenses. It is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting God's mercy and grace towards humanity. The concept of pardon is deeply rooted in the character of God and His dealings with His people, as well as in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding pardon as an expression of divine forgiveness. In Exodus 34:6-7, God reveals Himself to Moses as "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 willingness to forgive, despite human rebellion. The sacrificial system established in Leviticus also underscores the importance of atonement and forgiveness. Leviticus 4:20 states, "He shall do with this bull just as he did with the bull of the sin offering; he shall do the same with this. Thus the priest will make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven." Here, the act of sacrifice is directly linked to the pardon of sins, pointing to the necessity of atonement for forgiveness. Psalms and Prophets The Psalms frequently express the theme of divine pardon. Psalm 103:12 declares, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." This vivid imagery illustrates the completeness of God's forgiveness. Similarly, Isaiah 1:18 invites sinners to receive pardon: "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." The prophets also emphasize God's readiness to forgive. Micah 7:18-19 proclaims, "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." New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the concept of pardon is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus' ministry was marked by acts of forgiveness, as seen in His interactions with sinners. In Matthew 9:2, Jesus tells a paralytic, "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven." This declaration of pardon demonstrates His authority to forgive sins, a divine prerogative. The ultimate expression of pardon is found in the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Ephesians 1:7 affirms, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides the means for humanity's reconciliation with God, offering pardon to all who believe. Apostolic Teachings The apostles continue to expound on the theme of pardon in their writings. In Acts 10:43, Peter declares, "All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name." This message of pardon through faith in Christ is central to the apostolic proclamation. The Apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:13, exhorts believers to emulate God's forgiveness: "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This call to forgive others reflects the transformative power of divine pardon in the life of a believer. Conclusion The biblical concept of pardon, expressed through the forgiveness of transgressions, is a profound testament to God's mercy and grace. It is a theme that permeates both the Old and New Testaments, culminating in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, believers are offered complete forgiveness, and they are called to extend this same grace to others. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 32:1Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The First Great Deception. The First Great Deception Forgiveness and Retribution Absolution. The New Covenant. Confession of Sin Illustrated by the Cases of Dr. Pritchard and ... Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up ... Saved by Grace; Israel's Hope Encouraged; 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) |
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