Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Pardon, in the biblical sense, 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 sinners who repent. The penitent, therefore, is one who feels remorse for their sins and seeks forgiveness from God. Biblical Foundation The concept of pardon is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where God's willingness to forgive is consistently highlighted. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for pardon is "סָלַח" (salach), which is often used in the context of God's forgiveness of His people. In the New Testament, the Greek word "ἀφίημι" (aphiēmi) is used, meaning to send away or release, signifying the removal of sin. Old Testament Examples One of the earliest examples of divine pardon is found in the account of King David. After his sin with Bathsheba, David is confronted by the prophet Nathan and responds with genuine repentance. In Psalm 51, David pleads for God's mercy, saying, "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 contrition is one of forgiveness, demonstrating His readiness to pardon the penitent. The prophet Isaiah also speaks of God's willingness to forgive, urging the people to seek the Lord: "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" (Isaiah 55:7). New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, the theme of pardon is central to the message of Jesus Christ. Jesus' ministry was marked by His call to repentance and the promise of forgiveness. In the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), Jesus illustrates the Father's readiness to forgive a wayward son who returns in repentance. The father's embrace of the penitent son symbolizes God's open arms to those who seek His pardon. The Apostle John writes about the assurance of forgiveness for the penitent: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). This verse underscores the certainty of pardon for those who genuinely repent and confess their sins. The Role of Jesus Christ The ultimate expression of God's pardon is found in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through His atoning work, Jesus provides the means by which sinners can be reconciled to God. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in his letter to the Romans: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). Christ's sacrifice is the foundation upon which divine pardon is granted to the penitent. Practical Implications For believers, the assurance of pardon encourages a life of repentance and faith. The penitent heart is one that continually turns to God, acknowledging sin and seeking His grace. This ongoing process of repentance and forgiveness is essential for spiritual growth and maintaining a right relationship with God. The call to forgive others is also a significant aspect of living out the reality of God's pardon. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). The forgiven are called to extend forgiveness, reflecting the character of God in their relationships with others. Conclusion The biblical theme of pardon for the penitent is a profound testament to God's mercy and love. It offers hope and restoration to all who turn to Him in genuine repentance, assuring them of His unfailing forgiveness and grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 7:47Why I say to you, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Psalm 51 Part 1 a Penitent Pleading for Pardon. Psalm 51:1. First Part. LM A Penitent Pleading for Pardon. The Penitent Thief Whether Presumption is a Sin The Tears of the Penitent. A Prayer for Pardon and Its Plea A Penitent Heart, the Best New Year's Gift Of the Impiety of the Magic Art, which is Dependent on the ... A Colloquy Between a Penitent and God Whether the Sacrament of Penance May be Repeated? 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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