Topical Encyclopedia The concept of pardon in Christian theology is deeply intertwined with the exaltation of Christ. The exaltation refers to the glorification and ascension of Jesus Christ following His resurrection, marking the completion of His redemptive work and His supreme authority over all creation. This exaltation is pivotal in the granting of pardon to humanity, as it signifies the acceptance of Christ's atoning sacrifice by God the Father and the subsequent offer of forgiveness to all who believe.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides a robust foundation for understanding the relationship between Christ's exaltation and the granting of pardon. In Philippians 2:9-11 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This passage highlights the divine approval and authority bestowed upon Christ, affirming His role as the mediator of God's grace and forgiveness. The Role of the Resurrection The resurrection of Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian faith, serving as the pivotal event that leads to His exaltation. Romans 4:25 states, "He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification." The resurrection is not merely a demonstration of power but a declaration of the effectiveness of Christ's sacrifice. It assures believers that their sins are forgiven, as Christ's victory over death confirms the sufficiency of His atonement. Ascension and Intercession Following His resurrection, Christ's ascension into heaven further underscores His exalted status. Hebrews 7:25 emphasizes His ongoing role in intercession: "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." The ascension signifies Christ's enthronement at the right hand of God, where He continually advocates for believers, ensuring the application of His redemptive work and the granting of pardon. The Authority to Forgive The exaltation of Christ also establishes His authority to forgive sins. In Matthew 28:18 , Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This authority encompasses the power to grant pardon, as seen in His earthly ministry when He forgave sins, a prerogative reserved for God alone (Mark 2:5-7). The exaltation confirms and extends this authority, offering assurance to believers that their sins are forgiven through faith in Christ. Implications for Believers The exaltation of Christ and the resulting pardon have profound implications for believers. It assures them of their reconciliation with God, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 : "All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them." This reconciliation is made possible through the exalted Christ, who bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. Furthermore, the exaltation of Christ empowers believers to live transformed lives, as they are no longer bound by sin but are new creations in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). The assurance of pardon motivates believers to pursue holiness and to share the message of forgiveness with others, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). In summary, the exaltation of Christ is central to the Christian understanding of pardon. It affirms the efficacy of His atoning work, establishes His authority to forgive, and assures believers of their reconciliation with God. Through His exaltation, Christ offers a complete and eternal pardon to all who place their faith in Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 5:31Him has God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Doctrine of Jesus Christ. Doctrine and Discipline of the Church The Priesthood of Christ Aims of the Papacy. Liberty of Conscience Threatened Period ii. The Post-Apostolic Age: AD 100-AD 140 Christ a Complete Saviour: The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, The Glorious Master and the Swooning Disciple Acts XIII Resources What is the unpardonable sin / unforgivable sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh? | GotQuestions.org Who was Pliny the Younger? | 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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