Topical Bible: Pardon: Withheld From: The Unbelieving

◄ Pardon: Withheld From: The Unbelieving ►

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In the Christian theological framework, the concept of pardon is intrinsically linked to the forgiveness of sins and the granting of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible presents a clear narrative that pardon is available to all who believe, yet it is withheld from those who persist in unbelief.

Scriptural Basis

The withholding of pardon from the unbelieving is a theme that runs throughout the New Testament. In the Gospel of John, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of belief for eternal life: "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him" (John 3:36). This verse underscores the stark reality that unbelief results in the absence of divine pardon and the continuation of God's wrath.

Similarly, in the Epistle to the Hebrews, the author warns of the dire consequences of unbelief: "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12). The passage highlights the spiritual peril of an unbelieving heart, which ultimately leads to separation from God and the forfeiture of His pardon.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the withholding of pardon from the unbelieving is rooted in the justice and holiness of God. God's nature is such that He cannot overlook sin without the requisite atonement. The New Testament teaches that Jesus Christ is the propitiation for sin, and it is through faith in Him that individuals receive pardon. As stated in Acts 4:12, "Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" . This exclusivity of salvation through Christ implies that unbelief in Him results in the absence of pardon.

Eschatological Considerations

The eschatological dimension of pardon withheld from the unbelieving is vividly portrayed in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 21:8, the fate of the unbelieving is described: "But to the cowardly and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and sexually immoral, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death" . This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of unbelief, where pardon is eternally withheld.

Practical Application

The withholding of pardon from the unbelieving has practical implications for Christian evangelism and discipleship. It underscores the urgency of proclaiming the Gospel and calling individuals to faith in Christ. The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, charges believers to "go and make disciples of all nations," emphasizing the necessity of faith for the reception of divine pardon.

In summary, the biblical narrative consistently presents the withholding of pardon from the unbelieving as a consequence of rejecting the salvific work of Jesus Christ. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting the justice of God and the necessity of faith for the forgiveness of sins.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 8:21,24
Then said Jesus again to them, I go my way, and you shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: where I go, you cannot come.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prayer Answered, Love Nourished
... How unbelieving have they often been ... Oh, remember soul, when thou didst ask for pardon
thou wast asking ... and there have been times when if he had withheld it an ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/prayer answered love nourished.htm

Treatise ix. On the Advantage of Patience.
... how great patience, in turning the unbelieving to the ... for vengeance for himself,
but for pardon for his ... conflicts, nor the blessing of God withheld from being ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise ix on the advantage.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee ... The Apostle's wish is one thing,
his pardon another ... not the Lord: If any brother hath an unbelieving wife, and ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... themselves set fire to world, [526]458; had need of pardon themselves, as ... Stephen,
[1132]279; withheld from him who withholds, [1133]279 sq., [1134]283, [1135 ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ...
... we stand in need of forgiveness and pardon from the ... But the child descended from
unbelieving parents is deemed ... not strange that the sign is withheld when the ...
/.../chapter 16 paedobaptism its accordance.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... that pertain to the kingdom of God' " pardon of sin ... that which is injuriously and
unmercifully withheld from the ... To them that are unbelieving is nothing pure ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

Examination of the Treatise
... grace in Christ, which goes out from it to sinners to pardon their sins ... predestinated
to death," the latter, when he says that"of "the unbelieving people some ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/examination of the treatise.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... a wretch, shalt stand before God to receive at his hand thy pardon, and so ... and murderers
are without (Revelation 21:8). "The fearful and unbelieving," you see ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... Eternal life, pardon of sin, and deliverance from wrath to come, Christ propounds
to ... heaven to help him, had he that said, He shall come, withheld his mighty ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... not submitting himself to the righteousness of God; and therefore the law is made
to him not a help to pardon, but the ... Then, shall they be withheld from baptism ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm