Nehemiah 9:17 And refused to obey, neither were mindful of your wonders that you did among them; but hardened their necks… I. THE NATURE OF THIS PARDON. It is — 1. Free. Pardon must be so. It is no objection to say that Christ has purchased it. True, He has purchased, but it is free in its bestowment on us, because we could not merit it, nor claim it as a right. 2. Complete. Do not mean that it refers to the future. Some say when once pardoned all done. Not so Scriptures. Complete because it refers to all; complete because it is full. 3. Present. Some say not until death. Not so Scriptures. 4. Righteous. "Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren," etc. Righteous because bestowed on righteous principles; because of Christ's atonement. 5. Discriminating. If Christ died for all, how is it that all are not pardoned? Remedy only available for those who apply for it. Hence — II. THE CONDITIONS. Scriptures teach us duty of forgiveness if offender repents and asks. So with God our confession must be — 1. Frank. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." 2. Penitent. "The sacrifice," etc. Many frankly confess, but not penitently. True penitence seen in the publican. 3. Believing. III. EVIDENCE THAT GOD IS READY TO PARDON. 1. From scheme of redemption. Love in scheme, end of scheme; and if pardon not dispensed, end defeated. 2. From His relation to the Saviour. As Father He could not furnish a greater guarantee. 3. From means He employs to bring to Him. Sends Spirit — Providence — Word. Characterised by love. 4. From receptions others have met with. Manasseh — dying thief — Saul. Shown in Prodigal.Lessons : 1. Subject does not imply God will not punish. 2. Subject shows only way of deliverance, and that way to be taken now. (E. R. Derry.) Parallel Verses KJV: And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not. |
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