Topical Encyclopedia Definition and ConceptPardon, in biblical terms, refers to the act of forgiving or being forgiven for an offense or sin. It is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing God's mercy and grace towards humanity. Pardon is not merely the overlooking of sin but involves a complete remission of the penalty due to sin, restoring the sinner to a state of grace and favor with God. Biblical Foundation The concept of pardon is deeply rooted in the character of God as revealed in Scripture. In Exodus 34:6-7, God describes Himself 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 and His desire to restore relationships with His people. Old Testament Illustrations 1. David's Pardon: One of the most profound illustrations of pardon in the Old Testament is found in the life of King David. After his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, David is confronted by the prophet Nathan. In Psalm 51, David expresses his deep repentance, pleading for God's mercy: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions" (Psalm 51:1). God's response to David's genuine repentance is one of pardon, though David still faces consequences for his actions. 2. The Day of Atonement: Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement, a significant event in the Israelite calendar where the high priest would make atonement for the sins of the people. This ritual underscores the necessity of bloodshed for the forgiveness of sins, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The scapegoat, which symbolically carried the sins of the people into the wilderness, illustrates the removal of sin and the granting of pardon. New Testament Illustrations 1. The Prodigal Son: In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son, a powerful illustration of pardon and reconciliation. The younger son squanders his inheritance but returns home in repentance. The father's response is one of unconditional love and forgiveness, symbolizing God's readiness to pardon those who return to Him with a contrite heart. 2. The Cross of Christ: The ultimate illustration of pardon is found in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Colossians 1:13-14, Paul writes, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" . Through His sacrificial death, Jesus provides the means for humanity's pardon, fulfilling the requirements of justice while extending grace. Theological Implications Pardon is not earned by human effort but is a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" . This underscores the unmerited nature of pardon and the transformative power of God's forgiveness. Practical Application Believers are called to emulate God's forgiving nature in their relationships with others. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours" . This highlights the reciprocal nature of forgiveness and the importance of extending pardon as we have received it. Pardon, as illustrated in Scripture, is a profound expression of God's love and mercy, offering hope and restoration to all who seek it through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 7:42And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 15:20-24 Library Confession of Sin Illustrated by the Cases of Dr. Pritchard and ... Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection Attributes of Love. Christ's Different Modes of Reply to those who Questioned his ... Justification from Eternity The Formation and Order of the Primitive Church. Of Prayer Particular Index of Subjects. Luke's History: what it Professes to Be 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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