pardon Summary and Overview

the forgiveness of sins granted freely (Isa. 43:25), readily (Neh. 9:17; Ps. 86:5), abundantly (Isa. 55:7; Rom. 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.

PAR'DON . Ps 25:11. The scriptural import of this term is very imperfectly indicated by the common acceptation of it among men. In the dispensation of grace pardon is inseparably connected with justification. Hence it is spoken of as the covering of sin, Ps 85:2; the non-imputation of it, Ps 32:2; a blotting out, Ps 51:1, Gal 1:9; Isa 43:25; forgetting it, Heb 8:12; passing by it or removing it to an immeasurable distance from us. Ps 103:12; Mic 7:19. It is evident that God only has power to bestow pardon, Mark 2:7, Mark 2:10-12, and that it proceeds from free sovereign grace, Eph 1:6-7, through the mediation and atonement of Jesus Christ. Heb 9:9-28; 1 John 1:7. Men are commissioned to preach pardon and salvation through the blood of Christ, but no man can forgive sin or pretend to the right and power of absolution without direct and daring blasphemy.