One of the favorite hymns sung at two of our previous churches was “The Pardoning God” written by Samuel Davies. Although it was written back in the 1700’s, its message and music still evoke emotion for those who have experienced God’s forgiveness. One verse says this: “In wonder lost, with trembling joy, we take the pardon of our God, pardon for sins of deepest dye, a pardon sealed with Jesus’ blood.” Then the chorus finishes with “Who is a pardoning God like thee, or who has grace so rich and free?” The song points out the wonderful truth that God is willing to pardon sinners. But where did the author come up with that idea? Does that Bible actually say that God pardons sinners?
- What does it say? (Micah 7:18-20)
Who is a God like You, taking away iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His possession? He does not hold onto anger forever because He delights in kindness. He will turn back, have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all of our sins into the depths of the sea. You will give truth to Jacob and kindness to Abraham which you have sworn to our fathers in the past. - What does it mean?
The Book of Micah addresses the sins of the people in Israel and Judah. It became so bad that God asked them why they were living that way. Even after He had brought them out of Egypt, they chose to sin against Him repeatedly. Why were they doing that? The rulers and prophets were sinning against God. People were lying on their beds thinking about their next act of wickedness. Micah addressed all these problems but ended the book with hope in God.
He pardoned their sin (Micah 7:18a).
As Micah considered God’s unique relationship to His sinful people, he wondered aloud if there was any other god who was like God. What made Him so different from the false gods was His willingness to pardon sinful people. We usually think of a pardon as something a governor does for a criminal in prison. For whatever reason, the governor signs a paper that allows the criminal to be released from prison and to be acquitted of his crimes. When God pardoned His people, He took away their guilt and passed over their sin as if it didn’t exist.
He delighted in kindness (Micah 7:18b).
There are many times where God’s anger toward sin is highlighted in the Bible. He was grieved by the people’s sins before the Flood. He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with fire. He sent Israel and Judah into captivity. And He killed Annanias and Saphira for lying. God does not condone sin and actually hates it. But His character is such that He is not angry forever. What He actually delights in doing is showing kindness toward sinful people. He likes to be good, to be kind, and to show mercy toward those who do not deserve it.
He subdued their iniquities (Micah 7:19).
Micah reminded the people that God was compassionate toward His people. Because He loved them, He was willing to subdue their iniquities. What exactly does that mean? Think of it this way. Have you ever had a habit that you could not get rid of? That bad habit held you fast in bondage and there was nothing you could do. Micah is saying here that God was going to turn the tables on sin. He would subdue the sin that had kept them in chains all along. And after subduing it, He would throw it into the depths of the sea. This is another way of saying that their sins would be taken to a place where they would never see them again.
He promised them truth and kindness (Micah 7:20).
Micah lived during a time when sin was prevalent. Their rulers were abusing the people. Their prophets were promising peace that was not real. The people were worshiping idols. But God had something good in store for those who were left over after judgment. He promised to send them truth and kindness. Back in chapter five, God had promised that an everlasting Ruler would come from Bethlehem and would feed them. Can you think of someone who fits that description? Micah was talking about Jesus who would be born in Bethlehem, would feed the five thousand, and would teach them the truth. His ministry was just what the people of Israel needed then. The people of Micah’s day had lost all concept of what was true because of the wickedness of their leaders. But God promised to give them truth and kindness at some future time. - How does it apply?
What does God think about sin?
With all the talk about pardon, compassion, and mercy, it makes you wonder if God is willing to overlook sin. Does God really care about sin? Or does He only think seriously about the really bad sins? In Psalm 5:4-5 and 7:11, we learn that God does not enjoy wickedness and even hates those who practice iniquity. As mentioned earlier, many people have been judged by God for their sin (Flood, Sodom, Jezebel). But there does come a time when our compassionate God says enough is enough. While God is known for great mercy, we must remember that He also hates sin.
How can God pardon sin?
During the Old Testament times, God prescribed a way to cover the sins of His people. An animal was to be killed and its blood used to cover their sins. But this was only a temporary covering which had to be repeated often. God sent Jesus to be the permanent covering for our sins when He died on the cross. In Hebrews 9:12, we find that Jesus entered the Most Holy Place once for all with His own blood. And when He did that, He obtained our eternal redemption. This is how God can pardon sin. He doesn’t just overlook it. He paid for it with the blood of Jesus. This is how He can hate our sin but still pardon us from it. Jesus paid the price.
Why does God pardon sin?
Look back at Micah 7:18b. It says that God is not angry forever about our sins because He delights in mercy. We can all think about things that give us delight (chocolate chip cookies, an exciting movie, a spouse). We enjoy those things because they make us happy. We feel wonderful when we enjoy those things. God is different than us. What He delights in is being kind to sinful people. He enjoys showing mercy toward those who don’t deserve it. Why does He do that? I don’t know if there is an answer other than that it is part of His character. He is and always will be good. And because of this great kindness, He is willing to pardon sinful people.
Conclusion
The Book of Micah is a warning against a life of sin. But it also includes a message of hope for those who will turn to the Lord for help with their sin. God hates sin and will judge it someday, but He is also the compassionate God who delights in mercy. While we may be tempted to focus on our own sinfulness and the judgment we deserve, we should also focus on the God who pardons iniquity, passes over transgressions, and delights in mercy. When we do that, we will have a balanced view that covers both sides of the issue. We are sinners who deserve God’s judgment, but thankfully, we have found His mercy through Jesus. As you interact with people this week, think of ways that you can share both sides of the story so that they can find God’s pardon as well.