Does God Offer a Blanket Pardon?

The question of a blanket pardon is similar to our topic last week, when we asked which is more likely, that everyone goes to Heaven, or is Hell still a possibility? We used the phrase, “make a mockery of justice.” If everyone went to Heaven, regardless of what they believed or how they behaved, that would reward evil as if it were good. It would not be true justice. It would, in fact, make a mockery of justice.

Since Scripture clearly teaches that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” what’s the solution? If only the holy and righteous can enter into Heaven, then it seems Heaven will be a rather desolate place, while Hell will remind us of Times Square on New Year’s Eve.

God could offer people a blanket pardon. Similar to a presidential pardon, the criminal’s record could be wiped clean and the person declared innocent. Then he or she would be free to leave prison. But think about why presidential pardons are often so distasteful. They’re usually given to the president’s friends, family, and financial supporters. Like so much that occurs in Washington, the pardons are usually yet another sleazy political payoff.

When it comes to sin, we are all guilty. We all have violated God’s Law at some point in our life. It, indeed, would be a mockery of justice if God just offered a blanket pardon. A price for sin must be paid.

Think of it this way: a man is found guilty of committing a crime, and the judge says, “You must pay a fine of $5,000.” That price has to be paid or else he cannot go free. The crime (or the sin) requires payment; it’s what justice demands.

Now, imagine that after the judge declares that a fine of $5,000 must be paid, the judge gets up from the bench, takes off his robe, and walks around to the front and stands next to the convicted person. The judge says, “I’m going to pay the fine for you, out of my own money.” Then he holds up his hand, revealing his checkbook.

There are probably legal reasons why this would not be allowed to happen in a modern courtroom, but we’re just imagining here. This scenario is very similar to what God has done. He gave the Law and said, “If you want to go to Heaven, obey the Law.” We discovered it’s impossible to obey the Law completely, and therefore we all have sinned. God’s Word says, “The wages of sin is death” — that is, the penalty for being a sinner is death. We are judged, declared guilty, and the sentence and/or fine is pronounced. But then, God incarnate gets up from behind the judge’s bench, comes around to the front and stands next to us. The Lord says, “I’m going to pay the fine for you, out of my own life.” Then he holds up his hands, revealing ugly nail holes.

Personally speaking, a blanket pardon issued by God would be great. Of course, that’s the view of someone who knows he’s a sinner. But if God ignored sin and actually issued a blanket pardon, it would violate God’s very nature, which is perfect goodness and righteousness.

God is the God of love and mercy. No doubt about that. But He also is the God of truth and justice. If sinners are given a blanket pardon without any price being paid, it is not justice. The only way God can be love and mercy, as well as truth and justice — all at the same time — is if He steps forward and pays the price Himself. That’s what love does. That’s what justice requires.

Christ’s death on the cross paid the price for our sins. All we have to do is believe that it’s true and put our faith in Him. And then, out of gratitude for such sacrificial love, we must strive to live holy and righteous lives.

So, no matter how attractive it seems, there is no blanket pardon. But there is Calvary. There is the atoning sacrifice of the cross. It’s the only way God can remain loving and merciful, and at the same time righteous and just.

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(These “Merry Catholic” essays are featured on WJMJ, 88.9 FM, the radio station for the Archdiocese of Hartford, CT.)

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