Definition and Concept
Pardoning, in a biblical context, refers to the act of forgiving or excusing an offense or sin, thereby releasing the offender from the consequences of their actions. It is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting God's mercy and grace towards humanity. Pardoning is not merely overlooking sin but involves a conscious decision to forgive and restore the relationship between the offender and the offended.

Biblical Basis
The concept of pardoning is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where it is often associated with God's character and His dealings with humanity. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for pardon is "סָלַח" (salach), which is frequently used to describe God's forgiveness of His people's sins. In the New Testament, the Greek word "ἀφίημι" (aphiēmi) is used, meaning to send away or release, often in the context of forgiving sins.

Old Testament Examples
One of the earliest examples of pardoning is found in the account of Joseph and his brothers. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph rises to power in Egypt and eventually forgives them, saying, "Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good" (Genesis 50:19-20).

The concept of divine pardon is also evident in God's covenant with Israel. In Exodus 34:6-7, God reveals Himself to Moses as "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin." This passage highlights God's willingness to pardon His people despite their repeated transgressions.

New Testament Teachings
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate expression of God's pardoning grace. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus provides the means for humanity's reconciliation with God. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours" . This underscores the reciprocal nature of forgiveness and the expectation that believers will extend the same grace to others that they have received from God.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of pardoning in the life of a believer. In Ephesians 4:32, he writes, "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" . This instruction reflects the transformative power of God's pardon, which enables believers to forgive others.

Theological Significance
Pardoning is a reflection of God's justice and mercy. It acknowledges the reality of sin and its consequences while offering a path to restoration and healing. The act of pardoning is not only a divine prerogative but also a moral imperative for believers, who are called to imitate God's forgiving nature.

Practical Implications
For Christians, pardoning is both a personal and communal practice. It involves a willingness to forgive others, seek reconciliation, and promote peace within the body of Christ. The practice of pardoning fosters spiritual growth, unity, and a deeper understanding of God's love and grace.

Conclusion
While the entry does not include a conclusion, it is evident that pardoning is a foundational aspect of Christian faith and practice, deeply rooted in the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Pardon.

2. (a.) Relating to pardon; having or exercising the right to pardon; willing to pardon; merciful; as, the pardoning power; a pardoning God.

5493. sur -- to turn aside
... 2), do away (1), escape (1), get (1), go away (1), gone (1), keep away (1), keeps
away (1), lacks (1), leave* (2), left (2), move (1), pardoning (1), pass away ...
/hebrew/5493.htm - 7k

1St Day of Month. Pardoning Grace.
... 1ST DAY OF MONTH. Pardoning Grace. "He is Faithful that Promised." ... Pardoning
Grace. My soul! thy God summons thee to His audience chamber! ...
/.../macduff/the faithful promiser/1st day of month pardoning.htm

Psalm 130:2. LM Pardoning Grace.
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 130:2. LM Pardoning grace. 1 From deep
distress and troubled thoughts, To thee, my God, I rais ...
/.../watts/the psalms of david/psalm 130 2 0 l m pardoning.htm

Psalm 130:1. CM Pardoning Grace.
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 130:1. CM Pardoning grace. 1 Out of
the deeps of long distress, The borders of despair, I sent ...
/.../watts/the psalms of david/psalm 130 1 0 c m pardoning.htm

Psalm 130 Pardoning Grace.
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 130 Pardoning grace. LM Pardoning grace. From deep distress
and troubled thoughts. To thee, my God, I raised my cries; ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 130 pardoning grace 2.htm

Psalm 130 Pardoning Grace.
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 130 Pardoning grace. CM Pardoning grace. Out
of the deeps of long distress,. The borders of despair,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 130 pardoning grace.htm

Moses the Intercessor
... It suggests that His very nature is pardoning love; that 'mercy' is proper
to Him, that it is the motive and impulse of His acts. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/moses the intercessor.htm

"Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour, and are Wearied," &C.
... Another time, there rises out from under the cloud, the mercy and peace of Christ
in inviting, accepting, and pardoning sinners, by his blood, that cleanses ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vi come unto me.htm

God Proclaiming his Own Name
... The true 'glory of God' is His pardoning Love. That is the glowing heart
of the divine brightness. ... Sin evokes His pardoning mercy. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/god proclaiming his own name.htm

God's Ways and Man's
... Like them, in true analogy but yet infinite superiority to the best and noblest
in man, is the boundless mercy of our pardoning God: ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/gods ways and mans.htm

The Last Words of the Old and New Testaments
... Grace is love that imparts, and this grace, thus stooping, thus pardoning, thus
bestowing, is a universal gift. The Apostolic benediction ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the last words of the.htm

Pardoning (2 Occurrences)
... n.) of Pardon. 2. (a.) Relating to pardon; having or exercising the right to pardon;
willing to pardon; merciful; as, the pardoning power; a pardoning God. ...
/p/pardoning.htm - 7k

Forgiveness (124 Occurrences)
... In pardoning sin, God absolves the sinner from the condemnation of the law, and
that on account of the work of Christ, ie, he removes the guilt of sin, or the ...
/f/forgiveness.htm - 68k

Excuse (13 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) The act of excusing, apologizing, exculpating, pardoning, releasing, and
the like; acquittal; release; absolution; justification; extenuation. ...
/e/excuse.htm - 11k

Merciful (53 Occurrences)
... be seen that mercy in God is not merely His pardon of offenders, but His attitude
to man, and to the world generally, from which His pardoning mercy proceeds. ...
/m/merciful.htm - 28k

Pardons (4 Occurrences)

/p/pardons.htm - 7k

Pardoneth (2 Occurrences)

/p/pardoneth.htm - 7k

Pardon (31 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of pardoning; forgiveness, as of an offender, or of an offense;
release from penalty; remission of punishment; absolution. ...
/p/pardon.htm - 18k

Mercy (467 Occurrences)
... be seen that mercy in God is not merely His pardon of offenders, but His attitude
to man, and to the world generally, from which His pardoning mercy proceeds. ...
/m/mercy.htm - 43k

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