I have heard pardon and parole compared to being saved by Salvation or being saved by works.

You get a parole if you are an exemplary prisoner and you have obeyed all the rules. But if you are paroled, you have a record and you are still guilty. The parole can be revoked at any time and is automatically revoked if you commit another crime or disobey the rules.

But with a pardon as with salvation, your record is wiped clean and you are free with no fear of punishment.

It was a good analoby.
smile