FIRST CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CLEVELAND
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April 1, 2019
PARDON

to forgive, to be merciful, to have leniency, to excuse
from Latin per- ‘completely’ + donare ‘give’


PARDON is a particular kind of forgiveness that is handed down to you from someone who has the power to punish you. It is an act of mercy which can happen in formal or informal ways: one on one, within a religious institution, as a political decision (governors and presidents often use this power near the end of their terms), or as part of the legal process. 

In the Bible, the ultimate PARDON comes from God.
"Let the wicked forsake their way,
    and the unrighteous their thoughts;
let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,
    and to our God, for he will abundantly PARDON." (Isaiah 55:7)

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word suggests not just forgiveness but “lightness,” as in reducing someone’s load. In the New Testament, the Greek word means “to let loose” or “set free.”

To be pardoned is not the same as being found “not guilty.” In fact, PARDON is extended only to those who are guilty. No matter where it comes from or who benefits from it, PARDON is always an act of grace.

St. Augustine said that if we think we have not sinned, we are fooling ourselves in more ways than one. Not only are we out of touch with the truth of our own guilt; we are ignoring our need for PARDON—and God’s willingness to give it.

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  • Home
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