Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, pardon is a profound expression of divine grace and mercy, often illustrated by the act of not mentioning or recalling a transgression. This concept is deeply rooted in the character of God, who, in His infinite love and compassion, chooses to forgive and forget the sins of those who repent and turn to Him.Biblical Foundation The idea of pardon through the non-mention of transgressions is vividly portrayed in several passages of Scripture. One of the most significant is found in the prophecy of Jeremiah, where God promises a new covenant with His people: "For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more" (Jeremiah 31:34). This promise highlights the divine initiative to not only forgive but also to erase the memory of sin, thus restoring the relationship between God and His people. Similarly, the psalmist declares, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12). This metaphorical language emphasizes the complete and utter removal of sin from the divine record, illustrating God's willingness to overlook past iniquities and focus on the renewed heart of the believer. Theological Implications Theologically, the act of not mentioning transgressions underscores the transformative power of God's forgiveness. It is not merely a legal pardon but a relational restoration. By choosing not to recall past sins, God demonstrates His desire for a renewed and unblemished relationship with His children. This divine forgetfulness is not indicative of a lack of omniscience but rather a deliberate act of grace, where God chooses to see the believer through the lens of Christ's atoning sacrifice. Practical Application For believers, the concept of pardon through the non-mention of transgressions serves as a model for interpersonal forgiveness. Just as God chooses to forget our sins, Christians are called to forgive others and refrain from holding past wrongs against them. This is echoed in the teachings of Jesus, who instructed His followers to forgive "seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:22), emphasizing the boundless nature of true forgiveness. Examples in Scripture The account of Joseph and his brothers provides a poignant example of this principle in action. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph rises to power in Egypt and eventually confronts them. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph reassures them, saying, "Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God?" (Genesis 50:19). By not mentioning their transgressions, Joseph exemplifies the grace and forgiveness that mirrors God's own pardon. Another example is found in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Upon the son's return, the father does not dwell on his past misdeeds but instead celebrates his return with open arms. This parable illustrates the joy and restoration that accompany divine pardon, where past sins are not recounted but are instead overshadowed by the joy of reconciliation. Conclusion The biblical concept of pardon expressed by not mentioning transgressions is a profound testament to the depth of God's mercy and the transformative power of His forgiveness. It challenges believers to emulate this divine attribute in their own lives, fostering a spirit of grace and reconciliation in their relationships with others. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 18:22All his transgressions that he has committed, they shall not be mentioned to him: in his righteousness that he has done he shall live. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Rom. Iv. 1, 2 The Seed of the Woman, and the Seed of the Serpent Homilies on the Gospel of John. Israel's Hope Encouraged; The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Augustin's Part in the Controversy. The Pharisee and the Publican A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican 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) |
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