It would not be right for a judge to forgive a man who has been proven guilty unless satisfaction to justice be made. Without this satisfaction God could not be “Just and the justifier of him that believeth.” Mercy without satisfaction to justice is a species of injustice. It may be based upon kindness, but that does not rid it of injustice. The guilty one has not been treated as he deserves, but if his guilt has been atoned for by another, then mercy is prompted by justice to forgive. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.” To punish sin after it has been atoned for would be an injustice to the atoner and unkindness to the one who has confessed the sin and accepted atonement.

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