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Introduction • “A great many people are confused concerning the two laws of pardon. They make no distinction between the conditions of pardon to the alien sinner and the terms upon which children of God, or members of the church, are forgiven” (G. Nichols)
The two classes exist (alien sinners and children of God) • Jn. 8:44 • [44] Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
1 Jn. 3:10 • [10] In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
All accountable persons who are not the “children of God” are the “children of the devil” • Pardon is offered to both classes – but not on the same terms
Rom. 3:23 • [23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Jn. 8:21 • [21] Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
Jn. 3:5 • [5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Under the O.T. David sinned by committing adultery and murder • Peter denied the Lord, lied, cursed, and swore after having followed Jesus for 3 years --- and he was forgiven
“The best of God’s children need to be cleansed from sin along the heavenly way.” (Nichols)
1 Jn.1:7-8 • [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.[8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1 Kings 8:46 • [46] If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;
Eccl. 7:20 • [20] For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
Many believe that God has no certain law by which to convert and save sinners • They think God saves in different ways, and upon no certain conditions
Many are taught to feel their way and “pray through to God” – the whole matter is left in confusion • THERE IS A LAW OF PARDON – A CERTAIN WAY OF SALVATION AND ONE CAN KNOW EXACTLY THE TIME AND PLACE WHERE IT TAKES PLACE!
Ps. 19:7 • [7] The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Rom. 3:27 • [27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. • Law of faith = gospel
Rom. 8:2 • [2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
The gospel must he heard • Rom. 10:17 • [17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
The gospel must be believed • Mk. 16:16 • [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Sins must be repented of • Lk. 13:3,5 • [3] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Christ must be confessed • Mt. 10:32-33 • [32] Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.[33] But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven
One must be baptized (immersed) for the remission of sins • Acts 2:38 • [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
1 Pet. 3:21 • [21] The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Sins must be repented of • Acts 8:22 • [22] Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Sins must be confessed • 1 Jn. 1:8-10 • [8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.[10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
There must be prayer • 1 Jn. 2:1-2 • [1] My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:[2] And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
Acts 8:22 • [22] Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
“Hence, the second law of pardon is repentance, confession and prayer.”
God’s 2 laws of Pardon Alien sinner Erring Christian Repentance Confession Prayer • Hear • Believe • Repent • Confess Christ • Be baptized
Rev. 2:10 • …be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.