The concept of Pardon in Christianity
Pardon in Christianity encompasses the act of forgiving wrongdoings, vital for connecting God's love with a sinner's heart, enabling divine gifts. It involves forgiving offenses, such as the Lord's pardon from a superior, and is viewed as a means of inner renewal and spiritual health. God's pardon is freely given to anyone, including leaders, promoting redemption and restoration. In Protestantism, it is seen as forgiveness from a prince to subjects, while Early Christianity warns that one may not receive pardon if harboring negative thoughts about God.
Synonyms: Forgiveness, Excuse, Absolution, Clemency, Remission, Discharge, Release, Forgive
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Pardon'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) The act of forgiving someone for an offense, especially by a superior, as in the text the Lord's pardon.[1] (2) The act of forgiving a wrongdoing, essential for the union between God's loving-kindness and a sinner's heart, allowing for divine gifts to manifest.[2] (3) The act of forgiveness granted by God, facilitating inner renewal and spiritual health.[3]
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) The pardon is given freely by him to those who call on him, including kings and tyrants, offering redemption and restoration to the world.[4]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) This is a term used to describe the act of forgiveness offered by a prince to his subjects, who are expected to accept it and be sincere in their allegiance.[5]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Pardon is something that one may not obtain if they think dreadful things against the Father of all, possibly because of spurious scripture.[6]