Great Sinners Have Stronger Grounds for Pardon
SOME who earnestly desire to receive a full salvation hesitate to come to the Lord for pardon and cleansing, because of a sense of the greatness of their sins. How frequently do we hear the objection made, “But I am such a great sinner!” Those who either honestly or dishonestly make this excuse ought to be reminded that they are giving the very best ground for seeking forgiveness. Listen to sound reasoning: “For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.” The greater the sin, the stronger reason there is for applying for pardon. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” “He will abundantly pardon.” And the basis upon which forgiveness may be expected is not found in what we are, but in what He is. “I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake.” It is the Lord’s character which is at stake in this matter of forgiveness of sin. If He should refuse to pardon one person who sincerely sought forgiveness, His throne would totter and fall. “Justice and judgment are the habitation [basis, or foundation] of thy throne.” To refuse forgiveness would be to deny His own name, His own existence. “And the Lord descended . . . and proclaimed the name of the Lord, . . . The Lord, . . . merciful and gracious, . . . forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” “He cannot deny himself.” What an assurance of forgiveness! “As the Lord liveth,” so sure may we be that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” “His mercy endureth forever.” “Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption.” “Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Let every trembling, hesitating soul take courage.