Jump to: Topical • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept Pardon, in biblical terms, 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 humanity. Pardon involves the removal of guilt and the restoration of a right relationship with God. Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the concept of pardon is closely linked with the sacrificial system and the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Hebrew word often translated as "pardon" is "סָלַח" (salach), which signifies forgiveness or the act of sparing someone from punishment. One of the earliest mentions of pardon is found in Exodus 34:9, where Moses intercedes for the Israelites, saying, "If now I have found favor in Your sight, my Lord, please go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our iniquity and sin, and take us as Your inheritance." Here, pardon is sought as an act of divine grace despite the people's rebellion. The sacrificial system, particularly the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), was instituted as a means for the Israelites to receive pardon for their sins. Leviticus 16 outlines the rituals performed by the high priest to atone for the sins of the nation, symbolizing God's willingness to forgive. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the concept of pardon is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Greek word "ἀφίημι" (aphiēmi) is often used to denote forgiveness or the release from the penalty of sin. Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross is the ultimate act of pardon, providing a way for all humanity to be reconciled to God. Ephesians 1:7 states, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." This verse highlights that pardon is a gift of grace, made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of believers extending pardon to others. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). This reflects the reciprocal nature of forgiveness in the Christian life, where receiving God's pardon compels believers to forgive others. Theological Significance Pardon is foundational to the Christian understanding of salvation. It underscores the belief that humans are inherently sinful and in need of God's mercy. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers receive pardon, which is not earned by works but granted by grace. Romans 5:8-9 illustrates this profound truth: "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!" Pardon is thus seen as an expression of God's love and justice, where sin is not overlooked but dealt with through the sacrifice of Christ. Practical Implications The doctrine of pardon has practical implications for Christian living. It calls believers to a life of repentance, humility, and gratitude. Recognizing the depth of God's forgiveness should inspire a commitment to holiness and a desire to extend grace to others. Colossians 3:13 exhorts believers, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This command reflects the transformative power of pardon, encouraging a community marked by love and reconciliation. In summary, pardon is a profound biblical concept that reveals the heart of God towards humanity. It is a testament to His mercy, a cornerstone of salvation, and a guiding principle for Christian conduct. Topical Bible Verses Matthew 6:14-15For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: Topicalbible.org 1 John 1:9 Hebrews 2:17 Easton's Bible Dictionary The forgiveness of sins granted freely (Isaiah 43:25), readily (Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 86:5), abundantly (Isaiah 55:7; Romans 5:20). Pardon is an act of a sovereign, in pure sovereignty, granting simply a remission of the penalty due to sin, but securing neither honour nor reward to the pardoned. Justification (q.v.), on the other hand, is the act of a judge, and not of a sovereign, and includes pardon and, at the same time, a title to all the rewards and blessings promised in the covenant of life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of pardoning; forgiveness, as of an offender, or of an offense; release from penalty; remission of punishment; absolution.2. (n.) An official warrant of remission of penalty. 3. (n.) The state of being forgiven. 4. (n.) A release, by a sovereign, or officer having jurisdiction, from the penalties of an offense, being distinguished from amnesty, which is a general obliteration and canceling of a particular line of past offenses. 5. (v. t.) To absolve from the consequences of a fault or the punishment of crime; to free from penalty; -- applied to the offender. 6. (v. t.) To remit the penalty of; to suffer to pass without punishment; to forgive; -- applied to offenses. 7. (v. t.) To refrain from exacting as a penalty. 8. (v. t.) To give leave (of departure) to. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PARDONpar'-d'n, par'-dun. Greek 859. aphesis -- dismissal, release, fig. pardon ... pardon. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: aphesis Phonetic Spelling: (af'-es-is) Short Definition: deliverance, pardon, complete forgiveness ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/859.htm - 7k 630. apoluo -- to set free, release 5483. charizomai -- to show favor, give freely 1813. exaleipho -- to wipe out, erase, obliterate 2433. hilaskomai -- to be propitious, make propitiation for Strong's Hebrew 5545. salach -- to forgive, pardon... salach. 5546 . to forgive, pardon. Transliteration: salach Phonetic Spelling: (saw-lakh') Short Definition: forgive. Word Origin a prim. ... forgive, pardon, spare ... /hebrew/5545.htm - 6k 5547. selichah -- forgiveness 3722. kaphar -- to cover over, pacify, make propitiation 5375. nasa -- to lift, carry, take 7521. ratsah -- to be pleased with, accept favorably 3722a. kaphar -- to cover over, pacify, make propitiation Library Pardon. In Fine, Supplication for Pardon, with Humble and Ingenuous ... A Prayer for Pardon and Its Plea Pardon and Peace Sufficiency of Pardon. And Wilt Thou Pardon, Lord. David's Cry for Pardon Of Repentance, of Pardon, and the Commands of God. Pardon and Strength from Christ. Faith in Christ for Pardon and Sanctification. Thesaurus Pardon (31 Occurrences)...Pardon is an act of a sovereign, in pure sovereignty, granting simply a remission of the penalty due to sin, but securing neither honour nor reward to the ... /p/pardon.htm - 18k Pauline Pardoned (21 Occurrences) Pardoning (2 Occurrences) Excuse (13 Occurrences) Forgive (81 Occurrences) Leaning (11 Occurrences) Leans (7 Occurrences) Leaneth (6 Occurrences) Wondrous (41 Occurrences) Resources What are the 95 Theses of Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about guilt? | GotQuestions.org Since God withholds forgiveness, can we? | GotQuestions.org Pardon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pardon (31 Occurrences)Matthew 9:6 Mark 2:7 Mark 2:10 Luke 6:37 Exodus 23:21 Exodus 34:9 Numbers 14:19 Numbers 30:5 Numbers 30:8 Numbers 30:12 Deuteronomy 29:20 1 Samuel 15:25 2 Kings 5:18 2 Kings 24:4 2 Chronicles 30:18 Job 7:21 Psalms 25:11 Psalms 65:3 Psalms 85:2 Psalms 86:5 Isaiah 55:7 Jeremiah 5:1 Jeremiah 5:7 Jeremiah 31:34 Jeremiah 33:8 Jeremiah 50:20 Hosea 1:6 Joel 3:21 Amos 7:2 Amos 7:8 Amos 8:2 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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