The Scriptures reveal different instructions on how to obtain forgiveness for alien sinners outside of Christ (Acts 2:38; 22:16) and for erring Christians guilty of sin (Acts 8:22; 1 Jn 1:19). The difference has been described by some as "God's Two Laws Of Pardon". For the alien sinner, there is God's first law of pardon. Hear the gospel, believe that Jesus is the Christ, repent of sins, confess faith in Christ and be baptized for the remission of sins. For the erring Christian, there is God's second law of pardon. Repent of sins, pray to God and confess sins to God. As we evangelize, we often spend much time explaining the first law. As Christians seeking to maintain our relationship with God, we should be equally concerned with the second law. So let's take a closer look at "God's Second Law Of Pardon."

As Christians we must repent of sins. Notice that repentance is required in both laws of pardon (Acts 2:38; 8:22). What does it mean to repent? Literally, it means "a change of mind." This change of mind involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God. Thus it involves making a decision to stop sinning. Just as the alien sinner is called to do so in becoming a Christian so the erring Christian must do to return to the Lord. Repentance is produced by "godly sorrow" (2 Cor 7:9-10). A sorrow for having sinned against God (Psa 51:4) as opposed to worldly sorrow for getting caught or being exposed. Repentance is also prompted by God's goodness (Rom 2:4). Awareness of God's grace and kindness should lead us to repent. Repentance will be shown by a significant change (2 Cor 7:11) such as diligence and zeal to do right; such as indignation for our sins and a desire to make right.

Christians must pray, so Peter told Simon when he sinned after having believed and was baptized (Acts 8:22). Compare this to God's first law of pardon, baptism is an act of faith in which we make an appeal(1 Pet 3:21). Prayer is also an act of faith, as we appeal for forgiveness, yet alien sinners are commanded to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38) while erring Christians are commanded to repent and pray. The difference is understandable. Before baptism, one is not a child of God (Gal 3:26-27; Jn 3:3-5). After baptism, prayer is a privilege for those who are God's children (Gal 4:6-7). Praying is effective for the Christian because of our two intercessors: Jesus, who understands our feelings (Heb 2:17-18;4:14-16;7:24-25) and the HolySpirit, who communicates our feelings (Rom 8:26-27).

As we pray, we must do so with humility, compare the difference between the Pharisee and the publican (Lk 18:9-14). God favors the humble and contrite in spirit (Psa 34:18; Isa 66:1-2).

Christians must confess, so John wrote to Christians, to experience God's forgiveness (1 Jn 1:9). Compare this to God's first law of pardon where confession is commanded, but not confession of sins. Instead, confession is made concerning Jesus Christ (Rom 10:9-10; Acts 8:37). The word "confess" comes from the Greek word homologeo "lit., to speak the same thing; to agree with, admit" -Vine. In regards to sin, it means to openly and honestly admit sin without hiding it or offering excuses for it (Dan 9:4-6,10-11,15). Confession of sins should be made continuously - for John literally wrote (1 Joh 1:9) "If we confess our sins..." for both known and unknown sins (Psa 19:12) always to God and sometimes to each other (Jam 5:16). God will be faithful, as John promised in encouraging us to confess our sins (1 Jn 1:9), this means He will be true to His promise. What promise? The promise found in the prophecy of the New Covenant, found in Jeremiah, repeated in Hebrews (Jer 31:31-34; He 8:7-13). "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more" (Heb 8:12). God will be just, as John promised in encouraging us to confess our sins,(1 Jn 1:9), this means He will be righteous in forgiving our sins. How can this be? By virtue of the cleansing blood of Jesus! A cleansing alluded to earlier (1 Jn 1:7). So God can be both just and justifier of those who have faith in Christ(Rom 3:24-26). God will forgive and cleanse, no longer will the guilt of our sins be held against us! He will "cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 Jn 1:9). The word "all" is reassuring; no sin is beyond God's ability to forgive the penitent Christian who confesses their sin!

"Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon" - Isa 55:6-7.

Send comments or questions to the Clintwood Church of Christ, POB 746, Clintwood, Va. 24228 or E-mail me at bryanwa@ntelos.net Check out our web page at clintwoodchurchofchrist.com