Memory Verse: And Zaccheaus stood and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; abd if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold ” – Luke 19:8.
Bible Passage: Lev. 6: 1-7.
Introduction
Restitution is an act of putting right what has been done wrongly and repairing or giving any equivalent to loss or damage . It is strictly enjoined in scripture , and it is neccesary evidence of true repentance. This is also a very important step for every believer for a clear conscience and good testimony.
Restitution At Various Dispensations
The doctrine of restitution has been taught at various Dispensations. Before the law, Jacob restituted his ways (Gen. 32:9-32). It was in operation under the law (Lev. 6:2-5; Numbers 5:6-8; Ex. 22:1-5) and during the period of the kings and the prophets as well (2 Samuel 12:1-6; 2 Kings 8:1-6). This principle of the unchanging Lord is operative at this dispensation of grave as well, tight from the times of Jesus Christ and the apostles until now (Luke 19:8-10; Phil. 7:21).
The Blessings of Restitution
Dangerous as it may be, if one fails to restitute his or her ways before the Almighty God and his fellow men, the blessings are however numerous and diverse if one obeys. Examples include Abraham (Gen. 13:14-18). Joshua and the conquest of Ai, which initially looked impossible despite it’s small size until the sin of Achan was restituted (Joshua 7 compare with God’s promises to Joshua at his commissioning in Joshua 1:1-4).
Other blessings include open heavens (Mal. 3:8-11). God promised to destroy every devourer on behalf of every honest and faithful tithe payer and release blessings through open heavens.. There shall be health for the true believer (James 5:14-16). Heaven , the abode of God, shall become the inheritance of the faithful keeper of the doctrine. Heaven is clean and no unclean thing will enter it (Heb. 12:14).
Conclusion
Much as restitution like any other doctrine of Christ is worth contending for by every Christian , Godly wisdom is, however needed for the purposes of guidance, right timing and peace. We need to be humble enough for this guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Questions
1. Justify restitution at various Dispensations.
2. Mention some of the blessings of restitution.