Topical Bible: Pardon is Granted by God Alone

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In the Christian theological framework, the concept of pardon, or forgiveness of sins, is a central tenet that underscores the relationship between humanity and the divine. The Bible consistently affirms that pardon is an act of divine grace, granted by God alone, and is not something that can be earned or bestowed by human means.

Divine Authority to Forgive

The authority to forgive sins is rooted in God's sovereign nature. In the Old Testament, God declares His ability to forgive in passages such as Isaiah 43:25, where He states, "I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more." This underscores the belief that forgiveness is an act of God's will, independent of human merit.

The Role of Jesus Christ

In the New Testament, the role of Jesus Christ as the mediator of God's pardon is emphasized. Jesus, being both fully God and fully man, possesses the authority to forgive sins. In Mark 2:5-7, when Jesus forgives the sins of the paralytic, the scribes question, "Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" This passage highlights the recognition that forgiveness is a divine prerogative, and Jesus' actions affirm His divine identity.

The Necessity of Repentance

While pardon is granted by God alone, the Bible also teaches the necessity of repentance as a response to God's offer of forgiveness. In Acts 3:19, Peter exhorts, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." Repentance is not a means of earning forgiveness but is a humble acknowledgment of one's sins and a turning towards God, who alone can forgive.

The New Covenant

The New Covenant, established through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, is central to the understanding of divine pardon. Hebrews 8:12 quotes God’s promise, "For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more." This covenant assures believers that through faith in Christ, they receive complete forgiveness, a gift of grace that cannot be achieved through human effort.

The Role of Faith

Faith is the means by which individuals receive God's pardon. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "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." This passage emphasizes that forgiveness and salvation are gifts from God, accessed through faith, not through human deeds.

Intercessory Role of Christ

The intercessory role of Christ is also significant in the context of divine pardon. 1 John 2:1-2 assures believers, "But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous One. He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." Jesus' ongoing intercession for believers underscores the continuous and exclusive role of God in granting pardon.

Conclusion

The biblical doctrine that pardon is granted by God alone is foundational to Christian belief. It highlights the grace and mercy of God, the necessity of repentance and faith, and the central role of Jesus Christ in the divine plan of redemption. Through these elements, believers are assured of forgiveness and reconciliation with God, a gift that is both profound and transformative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 9:9
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 2:7
Why does this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Thanksgiving to God for the Pardon Granted to the Offenders ...
... I was afraid, for I was naked, and I hid myself," [1525] God does not ... Himself, and
the man should so be deprived of that pardon which is granted us from ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xii thanksgiving to god.htm

Of the Difference Between Discipline and Power, and of the Power ...
... that even the blessed apostles had granted any such indulgence (to any crime) the
pardon of which ... they both raised the dead, [970] which God alone (can do ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter xxi of the difference between.htm

Doctor Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences
... whether living or dead, has part in all the blessings of Christ and the Church;
and this is granted him by God, even without letters of pardon. 38. ...
/.../luther/martin luthers 95 theses/disputation of doctor martin luther.htm

The Same Subject Continued.
... For a thing would not have been requested of God which came ... it"subsequently received
pardon, than that you should interpret that (pardon as granted) to an ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter xiv the same subject continued.htm

The Wicked and Dishonourable Opinions Held by Arians, Sabellians.. ...
... I grudge you not pardon, for I myself would obtain ... those desires, which all alike
would have granted to them. ... Nay, none can forgive sins, but God alone. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiii the wicked and.htm

God's Banished Ones
... very sure that, unless the forgiveness that is granted us from ... by an arbitrary act
of His will, pardon a sinful ... In Him, and in Him alone, can God restore His ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gods banished ones.htm

Soul-Healing First: Body-Healing Second
... Pardon is God's love, unchecked and unembittered, granted to the wrongdoer.
And that is a divine act, and a divine act alone. Pharisees ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture b/soul-healing first body-healing second.htm

God.
... and harlot, and in hating it.(775) He will not relent nor pardon it, nor ... And"very
firmly this"forgiveness is not easily granted by God nor cheaply ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/1 god.htm

Saved by Grace Alone.
... The man did not deserve a pardon. ... to Scripture, is "pure and undefiled religion."
Granted; but something ... get there it will be by the sovereign grace of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/chapter ii saved by grace.htm

Dr. Martin Luther Concerning Penitence and Indulgences.
... one, it is certain that it is granted to none ... suffrage of the Church depends on the
will of God alone. ... who believe that, through letters of pardon, they are ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/disputation of dr martin luther.htm