Too many miss the missing ingredient. For those interested in obtaining the full power, grace, and healing of in the ministry of repentance: pay careful attention.
Repentance:
The Missing Ingredient
(restitution & restoration)
Too often, the discussion of restoration and restitution doesn’t make it to the table.
Therefore, those aware of these missing ingredients, need to be that much more outspoken, and that much more diligent, by pressing into the subject, and sharing it with others, and living in it, by example, and teaching it in the body of Christ.
The bottom line: when we discuss subjective repentance, and don’t include the subpoint of restoration and restitution, in our pursuit of reconciliation, we become like a wine skin full of holes that can’t hold the wine once poured into it.
Key Bible scriptures on restoration and restitution:
Old Testament
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Exodus 22:1-12: Restitution for theft, damage or loss.
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Leviticus 6:1-7: Restitution for deceit, theft or fraud.
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Numbers 5:5-10: Restitution for wrongdoing or deceit.
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Deuteronomy 22:1-4: Restoring lost property.
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2 Samuel 12:1-14: Restitution for injustice (David and Nathan).
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Proverbs 6:30-31: Restitution for theft.
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Ezekiel 33:10-20: Restoration after repentance.
New Testament
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Matthew 5:23-24: Reconciling with others before worship.
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Luke 19:1-10: Zacchaeus’ restitution (fourfold).
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Acts 5:1-11: Ananias and Sapphira’s failure to restore.
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Romans 13:8-10: Fulfilling law through love and restitution.
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Ephesians 4:28: Working to give to those in need.
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1 Thessalonians 4:6: Not transgressing or wronging others.
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James 5:1-6: Restoring justice and fairness.
Restoration Themes
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Personal Restoration: Emotional and spiritual healing (Psalm 23:3, Isaiah 57:18).
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Relationship Restoration: Reconciling with others (Matthew 5:23-24, Ephesians 4:32).
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Material Restoration: Returning or repaying what’s owed (Exodus 22:1-12, Luke 19:1-10).
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Spiritual Restoration: Returning to God (Ezekiel 33:10-20, 1 Peter 2:25).
Key Verses
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Luke 19:8-9: Zacchaeus promises half his possessions to the poor.
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Matthew 3:8: Produce fruit worthy of repentance.
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Acts 3:19-20: Repent, be converted and have sins wiped away.
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Psalm 119:67: Before affliction, I went astray, but now I keep Your word.
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1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive.
Restitution Principles
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Fourfold Restitution (Luke 19:8): Restoring more than taken.
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Confession and Repentance (1 John 1:9): Acknowledge and turn from sin.
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Making Amends (Matthew 5:23-24): Reconcile with others.
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Seeking Forgiveness (Luke 11:4): Asking for pardon.