Pardon

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.

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.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The act of pardoning; forgiveness, as of an offender, or of an offense; release from penalty; remission of punishment; absolution. Pardon, my lord, for me and for my tidings. Shak. But infinite in pardon was my judge. Milton. Used in expressing courteous denial or contradiction; as, I crave your pardon; or in indicating that one has not understood another; as, I beg pardon.

2. An official warrant of remission of penalty. Sign me a present pardon for my brother. Shak.

3. The state of being forgiven. South.

4. A release, by a sovereign, or officer having jurisdiction, from the penalties of an offense, being distinguished from amenesty, which is a general obliteration and canceling of a particular line of past offenses.

Synonyms: Forgiveness; remission. See Forgiveness.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To absolve from the consequences of a fault or the punishment of crime; to free from penalty; -- applied to the offender. In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant. 2 Kings v. 18. I pray you, pardon me; pray heartily, pardom me. Shak.

2. To remit the penalty of; to suffer to pass without punishment; to forgive; -- applied to offenses. I pray thee, pardon my sin. 1 S Apollo, pardon My great profaneness 'gainst thine oracle Shak.

3. To refrain from exacting as a penalty. I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it. Shak.

4. To give leave (of departure) to. [Obs.] Even now about it! I will pardon you. Shak. Pardon me, forgive me; excuse me; -- a phrase used also to express courteous denial or contradiction.

Synonyms: forgive; absolve; excuse; overlook; remit; asquit. See Excuse.