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"For Your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great" (Psalm 25:11). “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7)

In the last several days here in the US the word "pardon" has been a subject matter used extensively in the news. According to the online dictionary pardon means "the action of forgiving or being forgiven for an error or offense".

The word is also commonly used in a polite expression of apology such as if I were to accidentally bump into someone and say, "I beg your pardon".

So, please beg my pardon today for considering how pardon is also a rich theological term for God's forgiveness, found only in the Old Testament in most versions. It has also found its way into many songs such as this majestic verse from "Great Is Thy Faithfulness".

Is this not illustrative of God’s freely offered pardon and the necessity that we accept it? The Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).

"For Your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great" (Psalm 25:11).

Because God is just, He must punish our sins. But because God is merciful, He Himself suffered the awful penalty when Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby with the mission to redeem and offer pardon to the fallen human race. He suffered the wrath of God when He died on the cross of Calvary. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Isaiah has a powerful, timeless call to each of us, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (55:7).

Just consider the wonderful words. "He will abundantly pardon". You can easily memorize them, and He will! Don’t be like George Wilson. Accept God’s freely offered pardon. “Will you this moment His grace receive?” *²

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Loving Father, Paid In Full describes how our Lord Jesus Christ who gave His all that we could be fully pardoned. We accept this marvelous provision though it is incomprehensible by our finite minds to fully grasp. So many refuse Christ’s substitutionary death and continue to bemoan their pitiful plight in life, wallowing in their dismal existence. But for those of us who accept Christ’s full pardon we enjoy an abundant life, freed from the guilt of our past, and unfearful of our eternal future. Our reservations for the New Jerusalem were secured upon our acceptance of Your free gift of salvation. It’s a win/win situation for all who forsake their sinful life and take up the cross of Jesus. We will still be praising You and giving thanks one million years from now, for never has there been such a gift offered by human hand. It’s because of Jesus' amazing grace that we have access to the throne and we are so grateful. Amen.