The word law means “a rule of action.” It is frequently used in Scripture: the “law of Moses” (Malachi 4:4), “the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2) and “the perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25). Our consideration narrows to the law of Christ for salvation (James 1:25). Much confusion exists because religious people generally fail to understand that God has more than one law of pardon for sinful men.
What is pardon? It is to release from penalty, restore as before, to offer forgiveness of sins. The Bible shows that there are two laws of pardon because there are two types of people who need pardon from their sins. The Lord has given one plan for one not a Christian in becoming a Christian. He has given another plan for the spiritual return of an erring Christian. All responsible people are divided into two categories: spiritual aliens or citizens of the kingdom of God (Ephesians 2:19-22). God gave the formula for forgiveness to suit the sinner’s spiritual condition.
Confusion arises in applying the wrong law to those under consideration. The religious world tries to make one law of pardon apply to all men. The law of pardon, which applies only to a Christian in error, is often erroneously applied to those who have never obeyed the gospel of Christ.
God’s Law of Pardon for
the Alien Sinner (Mark 16:15-16)
An alien sinner is one who is not in the kingdom of God (Ephesians 2:11-12). That is, such a one has never accepted Christ, never had his sins forgiven and has never come into the fellowship of the church of Christ. The law of pardon that applies to alien sinners enables them to become children of God. It procures the remission of past sins and brings one into Christ (Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27). He becomes a citizen with the saints and a member of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19).
What plan did God give to suit the alien sinner’s condition? We are instructed to hear Jesus Christ (Matthew 17:5), believe on Jesus (John 8:24), repent of our sins (Acts 2:38), confess the name of Christ (Romans 10:10) and submit to immersion into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). This is merely saying that one must be converted (Matthew 18:3).
God’s Law of Pardon for the
Erring Christian (1 John 1:8-9)
Conversion to Christ does not keep one from ever sinning again (1 Corinthians 9:27; 1 John 2:1). An erring Christian is in need of pardon as much as any alien. The second law of pardon is stated in 1 John 1:9. Sins are to be confessed to God (Luke 15:18), and when committed before others are to be confessed to others (James 5:16). Consider the case of Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:13-24). His condition was that he needed forgiveness for his sin (Vss. 21, 23). His duty was to “repent and pray” (Vs. 22).
We all need pardon from the merciful God who will pardon our sins (Isa. 55:6-7). There is no sin that God will not pardon if we but obey his will.
