Restitution is one of the most controversial teachings among evangelicals. Some churches have built a dogma on this subject without proper biblical basis on how it applies to the new testament believer. They don't see the man under grace differently from those under the law.
The worse presentation of this subject is when it is presented as a criteria for salvation. We never read anywhere in the new testament that salvation is by restitution. Rather, Paul says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, [9] not of works, lest anyone should boast"( Eph 2:8-9)
Salvation is by grace not by restitution. However, that doesn't nullify the act of restitution If the Holy Spirit is pointing our attention to it. Religious restitution glorifies Satan and puts man in bondage but biblical restitution brings glory to God and sets man free from the accuser by having a clear conscience.
Paul says, "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men"( Acts 24:16).
What is restitution? It is simply an act of making amends for wrong done. This could be restoration of stolen items to rightful owners, giving back what was obtained by fraud, apologizing or making confessions to the offended.
In the old testament, restitution started before Moses (law). King Abimelech restituted by restoring Sarah to Abraham. He took Sarah wrongfully and wanted her to be his wife but God told Abimelech in the dream to restore Sarah to her husband because she was another man's wife( Genesis 20:6-9,14).
Genesis 20:7 says, "Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours".
This is the first case of restitution in the bible. Joseph's brothers restituted as well (Gen 50:15-19). They confessed their wrongs to Joseph and sought his forgiveness.
Under Moses, restitution was cardinal. Restitution was commanded to be made for injury( Ex 21:30-36, Lev 24:18), theft( Ex22:1-4, Prov 6:30-31,Ezek 33:15), for dishonesty/ lies( Lev6:2-5, Num 5:7, Job 20:18, Ezek 33:15).
Are there examples of restitution in the new testament? Yes! Starting from the gospels, when Zaccheus met Jesus, he made a decision to restitute (Lk 19:8). Apostle Paul, the preacher of grace, decided to restitute on behalf of Onesimus, the slave of Philemon.
Philemon 1:18-19 says, "But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. [19] I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides"
This is Paul promising to restitute on behalf of Onesimus. If restitution was out of place in the new testament as some preach/ teach, Paul would not have suggested it all. Also, in as much as restitution is not a criteria for salvation, it is a fruit of salvation that leads to clear conscience (Acts 23:1, 24:16, 1Tim 1:5,19, Phil 1:7-12).
In our walk with God, we must strive to be balanced in our approach to spiritual things.
