Pardon: The forgiveness of sins granted freely
(Isaiah 43:25) readily
(Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 86:5) abundantly
(Isaiah 55:7; Romans 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.
