Presidential Pardons

Bulletin

Dan Peters
01/26/25 - Atonement

Why does the President have this power?
Short answer: Our forefathers gave it to him.

Long answer: According to the U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section 2, Clause 1, the President "shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.”

Historical context: This power originates from the British Royal Prerogative of Mercy, which existed since the Middle Ages. The founding fathers believed the American president should have similar authority to grant pardons.

Is this power used fairly and morally today?
Short answer: Generally, no.
Long answer: The presidential pardon power has become increasingly politicized and controversial. Different news outlets present contrasting narratives that highlight perceived favoritism:

Pro-Trump media criticize President Biden for pardoning his son's federal crimes.
Pro-Biden media point to former President Trump's pardons of individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
How many were pardoned without remorse and without admitting wrong doing?

These selective pardons appear to demonstrate political bias rather than true justice, raising significant ethical concerns about the application of this constitutional power.

A Theological Perspective on Pardons

The Bible provides an interesting theological comparison between presidential pardons and divine forgiveness. Unlike human leaders who pardon without personally bearing the consequences, God's pardoning through Christ is fundamentally different:

Christ personally paid the price for the pardoned individuals' transgressions by suffering death on the cross.
Divine pardon is not just about forgiveness but transformation based up on changing individuals from sinners to saints.
The biblical concept of repentance implies a complete moral and spiritual renewal. People are born again on the day of pardon (John 3:1-5).

The core argument is that God's pardon remains ethically pure because:

He personally absorbs the cost of forgiveness.
His pardon is grounded upon genuine personal repentance and transformation.
It demonstrates both justice and mercy (Romans 3:26)

Those recently pardoned by the president have expressed great joy in their newfound freedom. However, they/we will ultimately face divine judgment for their/our past actions. The path to spiritual redemption offers a profound opportunity for transformation. In the biblical account, even those who were responsible for crucifying Jesus were offered a chance at forgiveness, full pardon. So God provide pardons for his political enemies, if they repent. When confronted with their sins, they were deeply moved, asking the apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"
Peter's response provided an ethical path to reconciliation: "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:37-38). How much greater the joy of being pardoned divinely and eternally!

Dan Peters