Even Scripture acknowledges non-believers have their own god, and this one ain't God/Jesus/Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 4 (KJV)
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2 Corinthians 4 (KJV)
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
The granting of a pardon is an imputation of guilt, and the acceptance a confession of it.