Evidence of Pardon

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Evidence of Pardon

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: Romans 8:16, Nehemiah 9:17


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Romans 8:16

The book of Nehemiah records the rebuilding of the city walls of Jerusalem after 70 years of Babylonian captivity (and about 50 years after the city had been overthrown and burned).  But after the city was rebuilt, restoration was not complete.  With the help of Ezra, we read in Nehemiah 9 the people seek spiritual restoration with YHWH.  The text records the people confessing their sins and asking forgiveness. Our text notes why they can do this,  …But You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness, And did not forsake them.  Nehemiah 9:17

When we think of the word, pardon, we think of a president or governor releasing someone from punishment or excusing a conviction (or possible conviction) or fault.  In essence, it is forgiving someone for what has been done.

But the idea of being pardoned can also apply to spiritual matters – namely, God pardoning us for our sins.  It was God’s merciful disposition that prompted the prayer of Nehemiah.  Earlier, the prophet Micah would conclude the letter of his prophecies by saying, Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. (Micah 7:18), also Isaiah 55:7, etc.

The fact that God will pardon us from our sins is a comfort and the GREATEST need of every man and woman. Romans 3:23 – we all need pardon.  Because His pardon has bearing on our eternal destiny.

That leads to a question I want to address in this lesson tonight?  HOW can I know that I have been pardoned by God?

  1. Can I know that I have been pardoned (forgiven)?
    1. Scripture teaches it is something we can know. 1 John 5:13 we can know that we have eternal life.
    2. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 – Paul was confident that he could be saved. 1 Timothy 1:12, “I know whom…”
    3. The Bible emphasizes we can be forgiven of our sins. Jesus came so that man could be saved – Luke 19:10, John 10:10; 1 Timothy 2:4 – God desires that all be saved (2 Peter 3:9).  Romans 6:18 & 22 notes that we have been set free from sin.  Ephesians 1:7 – in Him we have redemption through His blood…  1 John 3:2 – w are NOW children of God…; Hebrews 6:18 – God cannot lie..
  2. HOW can I know that I have been pardoned?
    1. It is not about my feelings – feelings can be deceptive.
      1. Consider Paul – in good conscience he persecuted Christians – Acts 23:1, 26:9, 2 Timothy 1:3
      2. Genesis 37:28-36 – Jacob BELIEVED his son Joseph was dead, but he was wrong.
      3. 1 Kings 13:11-32 – a man of God prophesied against Jeroboam for establishing a false religion in Israel (2 golden calves). On his way to his home, an older prophet LIED to him saying God had spoken to him.  The prophet of God listened to him and perished as foretold.
    2. It is not about what others tell me –
      1. Today, man teaches many different plans of salvation. They CANNOT all be right.  1 Corinthians 14:33 tells us God is not the author of confusion.  The Bible teaches ONE way to salvation – John 14:6, Acts 4:12, etc.
      2. The Bible warns clearly of false teachers – Matthew 7:15-16, 2 Peter 2:1-3. 1 John 4:1-2 calls for us not believe “every spirit” but to test the spirits whether they are of God.  Vs. 2 gives the example – a “spirit” must be consistent with TRUTH!
      3. But who is right? Consider the warning of Paul in Galatians 1:6-9.  Vs.  11-12, He proceeds to declare what he taught came by the revelation of Christ, NOT according to man.  Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus taught it is the one who does the will of the father who will be saved, not mere lip service.
      4. NOTE: Do not listen to any man (including me) UNLESS what they say is true to what God has said – 1 Peter 4:11, 2 Timothy 4:2-4, etc.
    3. We must understand that ONLY God can pardon us for our sins. Thus we must listen to Him.
    4. The true evidence of our pardon comes from the Holy Spirit tells me – Romans 8:16-17
      1. But how does He bear witness to us? He communicates through the word.
        1. We have an example of this as Jesus interacted with His apostles on the night of His betrayal. John 16:12-13 – the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth; John 14:26 – He brought to remembrance all that Jesus had taught His apostles/disciples.  Acts 2:4 – on the day of Pentecost they taught as the Holy Spirit guided them.
        2. 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 – we know what God wants us to do because He has told us.
        3. 2 Peter 1:20-21 – holy men spoke as they were guided by the Holy Spirit.
        4. Ephesians 3:1-5 – Paul wrote down what had been revealed to him by the Spirit.
      2. What does He tell us to do to be saved?
        1. We must believe – Hebrews 11:6, John 8:24, 3:16, Romans 10:10
        2. We must repent – 2 Peter 3:9 – He desires that all come to repentance. Luke 24:46-47 – they were called to preach repentance and remission of sins.  Acts 2:38, 17:30
        3. We must confess Him – Romans 10:10, 1 Timothy 6:12-13
        4. We must be baptized – Acts 2:38, 22:16, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Peter 3:20-21
        5. Furthermore, as you examine the many examples recorded in scripture, we find this pattern faithfully taught.
        6. AND, as a Christian, when we sin, we again need to be pardoned. What does He tell us to do?  1 John 1:9, Acts 8:22, etc.
    5. How does my spirit bear witness that I am a child of God? Romans 8:16-17
      1. When I speak of “my spirit” I am talking about who I am within. The part of me that defines me AND will live on beyond this life.  It is what I know about myself and what I have done.  And I likely know more of what I have done AND WHY than others.  I know my true motives and actions.
      2. The answer is simple to understand. If I keep His commandments – that is what it boils down to. Hebrews 5:9.
      3. I must ask myself questions: Have I followed God’s pattern? Do I believe in Jesus as Savior? Have I renounced the world and resolved to let Jesus be Lord in my life?  Have I confessed Him for who He is and my willingness to submit to Him?  Have I been baptized FOR the forgiveness of my sins?  If you LISTENED to what the Spirit told you in His word AND you HAVE DONE what He tells you, then you are forgiven.  The fact that you have complied is EVIDENCE to you that you are pardoned – saved!
      4. When “my spirit” is in agreement with “the Holy Spirit” I can know I am saved.
      5. BUT one must understand that becoming a child of God is only the beginning. Most of the New Testament is directed toward HOW to live as Christians.  When we sin, we must take care of our sins.  If “my spirit” tells me that I have sinned, have I repented, confessed my sins and prayed to Him?

God has made pardon from sins available to each of us. In His word He has told us HOW to receive His forgiveness.  Honestly ask yourself, has what you have done agree with what He has told you to do?  If so you have reason to believe you have been pardoned.  It is that simple.  Have you been pardoned by God?  Think about it!

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