WATCHMAN CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT 21 Days FIRST FRUIT FASTING FELLOWSHIP 2026 (Premium Edition) (Day 4)
Theme: REAPING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND DIVINE REMEMBERANCE
Texts: Gen. 8:20-22; Hos. 10:12; Jno. 4:35-38; Gal.6:7
Topic: RESTITUTION, EVIDENCE OF REAL REGENERATION
Subtexts: Ex 22: 1-17; Pro 16:6; Lk.19:1-9
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Sin at all times, before the righteous God is abhorring, and attracts condemnation and alienation from God, until it is resolved (Job 20:19-28; Rom. 6:23). God in His love would have all who delight in, and come to Him, freed from the iniquities and consequences of sin and saved to the uttermost (Heb. 7:25, 26).
In this period of God taking us through the pool, for cleansing, purging and packaging into His vessels of honour, fit for the Master‟s use, He has elected that we visit this subject of restitution, that we may have a conscience void of offense towards God and man (2Tim. 2:20; Acts 24: 16).
Restitution is defined as
: an act of restoring a condition to the true
state: such as a restoration of something to its rightful owner; bringing healing for injury/hurt done to someone; confessing the truth/amending the damage done to someone’s reputation through lies. returning stolen things; or dissolving wrong marriages; or returning things forcefully taken, criminally appropriated or converted.
It can also be seen as
action serving to cause restoration of a previous state of innocence, after being defamed by one’s wrong action. God ordained restitution time in our journey of a new life with Him. Unfortunately, many have neglected this healing balm, thereby breeding and perpetuating conflicts, which erodes brotherly love and oneness in the Church. Also, lack of emphasis on restitution has emboldened sinners in Church to go ahead sinning and impudently claiming cleanness before God, for merely saying, “I AM SORRY “, or soaking some mild chastisement, while retaining the proceeds of their evil actions and activities (Eccl. 8:11; Jer. 7:30; Zeph. 1:12)
We shall consider this subject under the following subtopics:
1) Rationale for restitution 2) Requirements for restitution 3) Reaping the righteous restitution.
- Rationale For Restitution (Ex 22: 1-17; Pro 16:6)
Our holy God so hates sin that even when His only begotten Son cried under its weight during the process of atonement, He did not bulge, He cannot now treat sin with levity(Hab. 1:13; Pro. 11:21; Heb. 9:22). The shedding of blood, (which is the atonement or paying back segment of the redemption process) being a great necessity in the reconciliation process, although settled by the death of Jesus universally for all, requires that we identify with the Master’s sacrifice, through self-denial in righting our wrongs, hence returning/restoring
what we took away from the victims of our offence/sin (Job 20:18-28; Eph. 4:28). Also, victims will not consider such converts genuine until they acknowledge their wrongs hence Paul’s letter to Philemon (Phil. 5-13; Acts 24:16).
- Requirements For Restitution
Restitution is a righteous act, befitting for those desirous of an intimacy with God (Jn. 7: 15-18; Phil. 3: 7-18). It is required of those who don’t want any stain in their garment (Jn. 14:30; Jas. 1:27; Rev. 3:18, 7:9-17). This is the reason restitution isn’t a popular topic on many pulpits today, and why it is being resisted by many, even when preached.
Let us consider some salient prerequisites for restitution to be carried out in righteousness:
- As Principally stated (in our topic), it‟s an evidence of true regeneration, and so should be reserved until there is confirmation of genuine repentance, conversion, unwavering commitment to God and readiness to face any consequences of a possible backlash (Matt. 13:43-46).
- Restitution must be wisely handled, towards achieving the eventual salvation of those involved (Eccl. 10:10, 16). It must not be done at such a time, or in such a way that will lead to the sudden loss of the soul of those involved, or cause any ill to any party in the wrong, hence the need to be carried out under the supervision of a mature believer; preferably, a knowledgeable senior pastor.
- Reaping The Righteous Rewards of Restitution
Just like we saw in our case study (Lk. 19:1-9), Zacchaeus got instant acknowledgment of salvation coming to his house after identifying spontaneously with restitution ordinance; the same is the lot of all that willingly submit to passing through this pool of restitution, which God is bringing to us at this crucial end time. Many are the rewards of carrying out restitution, just to mention a few, drawn from (Dan 4:27; Isa 32:13-18).
Peace with God and men, quietness of spirit, freedom from torments of guilt, assurance, confidence and boldness before Gods throne, etc (Isa 29:17; Psa 81:8-16; Acts 24:16).
Let us take a decision to undue our wrongs (If any) and reap the great reward.
Let us pray.
