Hey all., I have a friend that is struggling with his past. He accepted Jesus as his savior almost 10 years ago and struggled with porn (he’s delivered) and smoking (again he is free). But most recently he admitted that he had taken a few items from the place he works. He told me that the spirit convicted him for doing so and he was ashamed and took most of the items back (some had been ‘spent’) His question to me is first, can Jesus forgive that (which I answered yes) and second what kind of restitution, if any, should he make? And is he cannot make restitution now, if he can still be forgiven and get to heaven. That one has kind of stumped me, I must confess. So, I submit it humbly to my pals here at the index to help me find what the Word says on this subject. . Thanks.

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David

If he can't give the items back, I'm sure he could pay for them, right?

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Josh Parsley

good point, never even thought of that. the company he works for doesn't know he took anything. (no one knew expect me and a few close firends that he had the other problems either.) so does he confess to the owner or does he just pay for the stuff?

Sorry to post so many questions, i;ve nvever been faced with something like this.

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David

1 John 2:1-6

David Wilkerson faced this issue when he went to New York and founded Teen Challenge, and converting many gang members, many who confessed they had murder and stolen things. To my knowledge, all those who were guilty of crimes went to the proper authorities and turned themselves in.

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Jimmy H

Im no scholar or special bible teacher so you may ignore what i say if u like, but i figure if his conscience is working well (it sounds like it is) then he should follow that.

I know I have asked "What should I do?" hoping that someone would say something other than my conscience, maybe something a bit easier.

If he is dealing with guilt i thought the best way could be to leave no trace for the enemy to heap guilt onto him... to do what his conscience is trying to tell him?

Then seek grace :-)

thats my 2c, if its any help

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Coops

I've just been through this, maybe still going through :-( , What I felt God telling me was to do what I can to make restitution, I took £120 into work to 'payback' to my boss together with a letter of explanation. Not only did he give me the money back (which went to charity) but my conscience was cleared. I have done a lot of restitution in the last few years and each time it's like a weight lifted and I find I can carry on with God, but when I make excuises or simply refuse to obey the Spirit's guiding, I find God waits patiently until I rescind i.e. I cannot carry on with God until I obey. Please remember though I have been forgiven and the restitution is to make me a better Christian, and get closer to God, it's not like I am going to Hell cos I made a mistake.
I hope this helps your friend

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Ste

Hm. First we can speak on the condition of his soul. He is saved, there is nothing in the heavens, earth or fiery realm that can keep him from the Throne of Grace. From what you have shown, he has shown true remorse & has repented of his sin. But we have to understand the inquity in us. When we thrive for spiritual perfection we stumble moreso. The higher we place ourselves, the harder the fall, the greater the guilt; something we should not feel in the first place.

Before my second birth, I wasn't treating my employers too well either. Months after I still felt so guilty about what I had done, moreso, how MUCH of it was done. I took a step back.

I realized that the Blood of the Messiah cleanses me white as snow. I need not feel this guilt of my past. The past is exactly that, the past. But it is a bit different with your friend.

Now his condition with his earthly credibility. I would have to submit that to his conscience. I do not know what I would do, honestly. I have been blessed that I haven't returned to that particular part of my life. He should rely on the Spirit that lives within him.

Sorry.

In Him

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Arnaldo Santiago, Jnr.

I think the issue here is pre and post rebirth, what I mean is; before we become Christians we are all guilty of various sins, When we accept Jesus as our Lord, He saves us and forgives all our sins past present and future. Our Spirit is resurrected from the dead (another issue I know) and we start our life as a Christian.
We have been Justified in Christ ACTS 13:39 once and for all .
What then begins is our Sanctification, 1 Cor 1:30 says Christ is our sanctification, as we grow in Christ we grow in our sanctification. Now this is where we find we are not condemned (Rom 8:1) But we must work out our own salvation through fear and trembling (Phil 2:12) We are saved but must work at becoming more like Christ. A work so difficult we cannot do it without the Holy Spirit working in us.
So, my point, if you sin after you are saved (we all do this) then we must deal with it and I have found no better way than going to the person I have sinned against and confessing / apologising / repaying, then the next time Satan tempts you you think 'I've been there and got disciplined for it, I am not going there again'. It is a hard lesson and may be my stubbornness means it's the only way God can break me, for others there may be other ways.
If we don't deal with sin (even forgiven sin) then we often fall to temptation with the thought 'I can always get forgiven again' which is true but it stops us getting closer to God.
I know this is deep and may be I have not made myself clear, the last thing I want is to confuse people, if you ask I can give you Bible refs and studies on this subjects (too much to copy here) which would give more detail

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Ste

Hm. Thinking about what allhavesinned stated, I want to elaborate on the point attempted by my first post.

It is a matter of pre/post-rebirth. I, by His grace, have not done certain things I used to, therefore I cannot speak from personal reference.

He also has to use wisdom. Wisdom, wisdom, wisdom. One cannot have truth without love & wisdom.

In Him

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Arnaldo Santiago, Jnr.