Assurance of Pardon — Meaning, Scripture, and 30+ Examples for Worship
What Is an Assurance of Pardon?
The assurance of pardon is a spoken or written declaration of forgiveness offered in Christian worship, particularly following a prayer of confession. Rooted in Scripture, this assurance reminds us that God has promised to forgive all who turn to God with sincere hearts.
It is not based on our merit, but on Christ’s mercy and finished work. For those burdened with guilt, the assurance of pardon is a healing word—announcing that grace has the final say.
What I love about a Bible-based Assurance of Pardon is that way before the sermon is preached, the gospel is proclaimed to us!
30+ Assurance of Pardon Verses from Scripture (NRSV)
Forgiveness and Cleansing
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Isaiah 1:18
Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
Titus 3:5–6
He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Acts 3:19
Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out.
Hebrews 10:22
Let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Jeremiah 31:34
...for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
No Condemnation
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
John 3:17
Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Colossians 2:13–14
And when you were dead in trespasses... God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross.
Psalm 32:1–2
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity.
God’s Mercy and Compassion
Micah 7:18–19
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity... He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.
Psalm 103:8–12
The Lord is merciful and gracious... he does not deal with us according to our sins... as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us.
Lamentations 3:22–23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases... they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Exodus 34:6–7
The Lord passed before him, and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love..."
Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake their way... let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them... for he will abundantly pardon.
Justification and Grace
Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of God’s grace.
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:21
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Galatians 2:20
...the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Hebrews 8:12
For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.
Joy and Restoration
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord, your God, is in your midst... he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love.
Isaiah 12:1
You will say on that day: I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, and you comforted me.
Luke 15:10
There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Psalm 130:3–4
If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.
Isaiah 43:25
I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.
Matthew 11:28–30
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest...
Psalm 86:5
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.
