Topical Bible: Pardon: should Lead to Returning to God

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Pardon, in the biblical context, refers to the act of forgiving or being forgiven for sins or transgressions. It is a central theme in Scripture, highlighting God's mercy and grace towards humanity. The concept of pardon is not merely about the absolution of guilt but is intrinsically linked to the idea of repentance and returning to God.

Divine Pardon and Human Response

The Bible consistently portrays God as a forgiving deity, eager to pardon those who turn back to Him. In Isaiah 55:7 , it is written, "Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon." This passage underscores the expectation that divine pardon should lead to a transformation in the individual, prompting a return to God and a departure from sinful ways.

Repentance as a Pathway to Pardon

Repentance is a critical component in the process of receiving God's pardon. In the New Testament, the call to repentance is a recurring theme. Acts 3:19 exhorts, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." Here, repentance is directly linked to the cleansing of sin, suggesting that pardon is not an end in itself but a means to restore one's relationship with God.

The Role of Jesus Christ in Pardon

The New Testament reveals that the ultimate expression of God's pardon is found in Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are offered forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Ephesians 1:7 states, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." This verse highlights that pardon is a gift of grace, made possible through Christ's atoning work.

Pardon Leading to a New Life

Receiving God's pardon is intended to lead to a new way of living. Romans 6:1-2 challenges believers, "What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?" This rhetorical question emphasizes that pardon should result in a life that reflects God's holiness and righteousness.

The Transformative Power of Pardon

The transformative power of pardon is evident in the lives of biblical figures who experienced God's forgiveness. King David, after his sin with Bathsheba, sought God's pardon and was restored. Psalm 51 is a poignant expression of his repentance and desire to return to God. In verse 10 , David pleads, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." This illustrates how pardon can lead to spiritual renewal and a deeper commitment to God.

Encouragement to Seek Pardon

Scripture encourages believers to seek God's pardon with the assurance of His willingness to forgive. 1 John 1:9 promises, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This assurance is a call to return to God, confident in His faithfulness to pardon and restore.

In summary, the biblical concept of pardon is deeply intertwined with the call to repentance and returning to God. It is not merely an act of forgiveness but a transformative process that leads to a renewed relationship with the Creator, characterized by a life of holiness and devotion.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 44:22
I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins: return to me; for I have redeemed you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Colloquy Between a Penitent and God
... may be consciousness of sin and sorrow which lead to no ... The truth which should be
taken into the mind and ... love, God's welcome of him back, God's ready pardon. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a colloquy between a penitent.htm

God's Banished Ones
... banished should not be banished"that is, should be restored ... is ever the most dangerous
lie, of divine pardon apart from ... to seek us, and He will lead you back ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gods banished ones.htm

On Repentance
... repent is evangelical; and the promise of pardon, and the ... the contrary blessings,
that he may lead them, after ... in Christ Jesus unto good works, should walk in ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 17 on repentance.htm

On the Atonement.
... Always ready to pardon, yet ever watchful over the great ... that, while Christ is dying,
we should be confessing! ... to suffer, while you follow in the lead of such ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/xii on the atonement.htm

Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book.
... a Savior, and made indiscriminate offers of pardon and peace ... He had expected to lead
Israel to the land of ... to die himself, before sentence should be executed ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon vii moses prayer to.htm

Whether Despair is a Sin?
... and not that he should be converted and live?' Cf ... while it is a false opinion that
He refuses pardon to the ... God or horror of one's own sins may lead to despair ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether despair is a sin.htm

Lydia, the First European Convert
... and come to practicing; and may God in His mercy lead you both ... To think that Christ
should have washed me from my sins in His ... A pardon bought with Jesus' blood ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/lydia the first european convert.htm

The Joyous Return
... Thy present course will lead thee down to destruction utter and ... and utter the very
words that they should speak unto ... He invites the rebel to sue for pardon. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the joyous return.htm

The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin
... and yet say that their doctrines lead to sin? ... moved by the unexpected and undeserved
pardon, and became ... According to our moralists she should have said, "Father ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/the doctrines of grace do.htm

On the Departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was Gone on an ...
... yet more ridiculous is, that those who lead this sort ... Should the slanderers learn
that we abhor them more ... on that account expect to gain an excuse, or pardon. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii on the departure.htm