Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of pardon is deeply intertwined with the fear of God, a reverential awe and respect for the Almighty. The act of divine pardon is not merely a release from the consequences of sin but is intended to lead the forgiven individual into a deeper relationship with God, characterized by reverence and obedience.Biblical Foundation The Bible presents God's pardon as an expression of His mercy and grace, which should naturally lead to a fear of the Lord. In Psalm 130:3-4 , the psalmist writes, "If You, O LORD, kept track of iniquities, then who, O Lord, could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, so that You may be feared." This passage highlights that God's forgiveness is not an end in itself but a means to inspire a holy fear and reverence for Him. The Nature of Divine Pardon Divine pardon is an act of God's sovereign grace, where He chooses to forgive the sins of those who repent and turn to Him. This forgiveness is not earned by human effort but is a gift from God, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9 : "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." The realization of such unmerited favor should lead believers to a profound respect and awe for God. Pardon and the Fear of God The fear of God, as a response to His pardon, is not a fear of punishment but a recognition of His holiness and authority. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is foundational to a life of wisdom and obedience, acknowledging God's rightful place as Lord over all. Examples from Scripture Throughout Scripture, individuals who experienced God's pardon often responded with fear and reverence. In Isaiah 6, the prophet Isaiah encounters the holiness of God and is acutely aware of his own sinfulness. Upon receiving God's cleansing, Isaiah responds with a willingness to serve, demonstrating a fear of God that leads to obedience. Similarly, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, receives God's pardon and is transformed into a devoted servant of Christ. His writings reflect a deep reverence for God, as seen in Philippians 2:12-13 : "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure." Implications for Believers For believers, understanding that pardon should lead to fearing God has practical implications. It calls for a life of holiness, gratitude, and obedience. The awareness of God's forgiveness should motivate believers to live in a manner that honors Him, as expressed in 2 Corinthians 7:1 : "Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." In summary, the biblical teaching on pardon emphasizes that it is not merely a release from guilt but a call to a deeper, reverent relationship with God. This fear of God, born out of gratitude for His mercy, is essential for spiritual growth and faithful living. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 130:4But there is forgiveness with you, that you may be feared. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Example. God's Love Commended to Us. True Repentance a Thing Divine, Originated by God, and Subject to ... The Two Causes of Sin Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book. Warning. On the Departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was Gone on an ... Mongrel Religion Acts x. 23, 24 Ahaz 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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