0710. PARDON AND FORGIVENESS.

PARDON AND FORGIVENESS.

Our English word Pardon is never found in the New Testament. In its place is its equivalent, the word Forgiveness. This is in perfect harmony with one of the chief messages of the New Testament. Pardon is the act of a Sovereign; Forgiveness is the act of the Father. The Fatherhood of God is one of the principal truths in the New Testament. An unsaved, yet penitent, sinner must, as a rebel, ask for pardon. When pardoned and regenerated, then he needs daily to ask of his Father in Christ, forgiveness.

I. God Alone can Pardon. Luk_5:21; Dan_9:9.

II. God Loves to Pardon. For He is "a God of pardons" (Neh_9:17, margin).

III. God Pardons Gloriously. "Ready to pardon" (Neh_9:17). "He will abundantly pardon" (Isa_55:7).

IV. God Only Pardons:

1. On Confession (Psa_25:11).

2. On Believing (Act_10:43).

3. On Receiving. Pardon is a gift to be received (Act_5:31).

Autor: James Smith