What is Restitution? By Babatunde Olugboji

Restitution is a principle rooted in biblical teachings, with references found in both the Old and New Testaments that elucidate God’s perspective on the matter.

In the OT, the Israelites adhered to the Law, which outlined specific restitution requirements: “If a man steals an ox or a sheep and either slaughters it or sells it, he is obligated to repay five cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep…” A thief is required to make restitution; however, if he lacks the means, he must be sold to compensate for his theft. Should the stolen animal be discovered alive in his possession, he is to repay double.

“If a man allows his livestock to graze in another’s field or vineyard, he must compensate from the best of his own field or vineyard. In cases where a fire ignites and spreads to thorn bushes, resulting in the destruction of grain or fields, the individual responsible for the fire must make restitution…If a man borrows an animal from a neighbor and it is harmed or dies, he is required to make restitution” (Exodus 22:1, 3-6, 14).

Leviticus 6:2-5 addresses additional scenarios where stolen property must be returned, along with an additional fifth of its value. Restitution was to be made directly to the property owner (rather than to the authorities or any third party) and must be accompanied by a guilt offering to the Lord. 

Thus, the Mosaic Law served to safeguard victims of theft, extortion, fraud, and negligence by mandating that wrongdoers provide restitution. The compensation could range from 100 to 500 % of the loss incurred. Furthermore, restitution was to be completed on the same day the offender presented their sacrifice to the Lord, indicating that reconciling with one’s neighbor holds equal importance to achieving peace with God.

The NT presents a remarkable illustration of restitution in Luke 19. When Jesus visited Zacchaeus’s residence, onlookers, aware of the chief tax collector’s notorious reputation for wrongdoing and oppression, expressed their discontent regarding Jesus’ association with a sinner (verse 7). In response, Zacchaeus declared to the Lord, “Behold, Lord! I now give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone, I will repay them fourfold.” Jesus replied, “Today salvation has come to this house, for this man is also a son of Abraham. The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (verses 8-10).

From Zacchaeus’s declaration, we can infer that 1) he had indeed wronged others, 2) he felt genuine remorse for his actions, and 3) he was determined to make amends. Jesus’ response indicates that 1) Zacchaeus received salvation that day, and his sins were forgiven, and 2) the manifestation of his salvation was evident in both his public acknowledgment and his commitment to relinquish all ill-gotten wealth. 

Zacchaeus demonstrated true repentance, and his earnestness was clear in his immediate intention to make restitution. He was a man filled with contrition, and the evidence of his faith in Christ was his determination to rectify, to the best of his ability, his past transgressions.

This principle applies equally to anyone who genuinely knows Christ today. Authentic repentance fosters a desire to correct wrongs. Upon becoming a Christian, an individual will experience a profound conviction to engage in good deeds, which includes making reparations whenever feasible. The phrase “whenever feasible” is critically important to acknowledge.

Certain offenses and sins may not allow for adequate restitution. In such cases, a believer should strive to offer some form of restitution that reflects their repentance, while also recognizing that they need not feel guilty for their inability to provide complete restitution. Restitution should be viewed as a consequence of our salvation rather than a prerequisite for it. If you have received forgiveness for your sins through Christ, all of your sins are forgiven, whether or not you have been able to make restitution for them.

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